GOSPORT & FAREHAM 29, FARNHAM 31

IT was Farnham’s turn to be on the right side of a close scoreline as they launched a stirring comeback to pip Gosport & Fareham in the Intermediate Cup on Saturday.

Gosport led for nearly the whole match – until the 79th minute when Farnham snatched victory with a converted try.

Farnham, who had lost in the final play to Twickenham the previous week, thus avenged a league defeat at Gosport a month ago, the home side winning 23-19.

Storm Brian dominated that day and chilly, blustery weather was also a factor in the final outcome to this cup-tie.

Farnham, forced to make several changes due to a lengthy injury list, fielded four debutants, while two others were making their first appearances of the season.

Yet Farnham played some terrific rugby at times.

Gosport, with the wind and slope in their favour, made the brighter start. They secured an early penalty and new kicker Dom Holling put them in front. Straight from the kick-off, the Farnham backs spread the ball wide and Connor Rumpson went over in the corner.

The conversion was missed and Holling kicked two more penalties as Farnham mixed good territory and possession with silly mistakes.

A yellow card for Gareth Yeomans for a deliberate infringement after a quick tap increased Farnham’s frustration and a try from fly-half Rory Penfold after a move involving Holling and Sean Shepherd, extended Gosport’s lead to 14-5 after 20 minutes.

Farnham retaliated with a penalty try off a maul – an area dominated by the visitors for much of the game. But a wayward pass inside their own 22 led to an interception try for Holling and Gosport led 19-12 at the interval.

With the wind behind them, Farnham looked well capable of overturning the deficit, but they failed to capitalise on numerous chances. Gosport weathered a spell when they lost second row Louis Bristow to the sin-bin and then full-back Alex Heron scored a try that stretched their advantage to what looked a conclusive 24-12.

Farnham pulled back five points from a driving maul engineered by Ben Adams, but Shaun Taylor cancelled that out within four minutes and at 29-17, Gosport had only nine minutes to survive.

Captain Andy Naisbitt signalled his troops to go for it – it was a knockout competition after all – and Farnham were spurred into action. Their finishing touch suddenly returned and two tries in five minutes stunned Gosport.

A solid platform at a scrum allowed the ball to be given to fly-half Mike Salmon who barreled his way over the line and then added the conversion.

The momentum was all with Farnham and a penalty in front of the posts was kicked to touch. Adams marshalled another well-worked driving maul and Farnham were over, with Pete Daly grounding the ball. Mike Salmon kicked a superb wind-assisted conversion and Farnham led by those two points.

Gosport’s last hurrah earned them a penalty in the Farnham 22, but rather than go for goal, they went for touch and the ball landed straight in the arms of Ben Jones. A quick ruck and the ball was booted out of play.

A superb result for Farnham who can still dream of a return to Twickenham. Back to the league this week and a trip to old foes KCS Old Boys who lie fifth in London 2SW, just three points above Farnham.

• President’s Podium points: Ben Adams 3, James Corlett 2, Mike Salmon 1.