Farnham were faced with strong opposition in the Evergreens Cup on Sunday with the visit of Purley John Fisher. Purley are currently unbeaten at the top of London South East 3 and a large contingent from their First XV were included in their Veterans squad.

From the start it was clear that Farnham would face a tough task as the giant Purley pack shunted the Farnham eight around the pitch and for a while it seemed a cricket score might be on the cards. Purley soon opened the scoring with a penalty, which they followed up with a converted try.

Farnham did not buckle, however, and concentrated on opening up the game at every opportunity and relying on their forwards to get around the pitch more quickly than the heavyweight Purley pack. The visitors then found they could not easily retain possession at the breakdowns and started to concede turnovers and penalties.

With a feast of possession from first phase ball, but only scraps thereafter, the visitors became frustrated and ill-discipline led to two yellow cards for Purley during the course of the game.

Farnham continued to fight for every loose ball and defended valiantly but eventually conceded a push-over try at a five metre scrum. This did not dent their less than youthful enthusiasm, however, and after working their way downfield through a number of phases a planned line-out move enabled Brown to drive and set up a ruck from which quick hands down the blind-side sent Brigg over in the corner. James coolly slotted over the conversion from the touchline.