TONBRIDGIANS 28, FARNHAM 21

AFTER their superb win over leaders Camberley two weeks ago, Farnham fell at the final hurdle against Old Tonbridgians, also title contenders in London 3SW.

Farnham kicked off with the strong wind at Richmond, but began tentatively and allowed OTs to take the initiative with a succession of driving mauls.

The defence stood firm and after a breakout by fly-half Toby Salmon had released James Corlett, Tonbridgians were penalised for not releasing at the breakdown and Mike Salmon kicked the three points.

However, Farnham, playing in their peach away strip, lacked zip and back came the Old Boys with a catch-and-drive try under the posts.

Still no real spark from the lacklustre visitors. Heads dropped and OTs were on a roll, playing for position and then capitalising. After another driving maul out wide, prop Macintosh crashed over and the home side led 12-3.

Farnham were at last stung into action. Toby Comley broke into the home 22 and Will Markham took the ball on to win a penalty, slotted over by Salmon Snr. But the revival was short-lived as OTs broke from the kick-off and crossed over wide out to take a decent 17-6 lead into half-time.

After a cagey start to the second half, Farnham began to emerge from their sleepy malaise. Tonbridge increased their lead from a penalty, but Dan Williams and Ben Adams were now making the hard yards in Farnham’s second row, driven on by front-rowers Andy Naisbitt, Jonny Davidson and James Trodden.

The resurgence resulted in a catch-and-drive and Ben Adams went over for an unconverted try.

With the momentum swinging to the visitors, an OTs attack was turned over and Olly Brown spearheaded a mass breakout and on to Comley whose pop-pass sent Toby Salmon over out wide. Another five points and now Farnham were within a try of the lead at 16-20.

The game was opening up on the heavy strength-sapping surface. Another Tonbridge attack was snaffled by Elliot Richardson at full pace and the full-back chipped ahead and chased successfully to touch down in the corner. Unexpectedly, and perhaps undeservedly, Farnham led 21-20 with just two minutes to go.

Tonbridge regrouped and drove into the heart of the Farnham defence. A daft penalty was conceded and three points snatched back the lead. A gift try at the death was the icing on the cake for the Old Boys as they completed a bonus-point victory.

Rugby is mostly about attitude and, on the day, Old Tonbridgians’ desire was far greater than the visitors. It was a chastened Farnham who made the trip home and “never again” was the message from frustrated skipper Mike Salmon.