Farnham venture north to advance towards HQ.

Farnham venture North to advance towards Twickenham Final

The regional semi-final of the RFU Vase versus Hertfordshire club Hitchin was the target for Farnham on Saturday. The plan: do it in style, fill the coach and take the 1st and 2nd XVs for a cross-county weekend Surrey v Herts.

The outcome: decisive wins for both of the Farnham XVs after initial resistance from the home teams.

Farnham fielded a strong 1st XV for this important step on the road to Twickenham. Joris, Davidson and Naisbitt were in the pit with Batten and Ian Williams in the row. The back row had an exciting look about it with Jordan Frost and Comley flanking Pete Daly at 8. Farnham’s “Louis Picamoles” turned in a massive shift but was overshadowed by his 6 and 7 with Comley blitzing the Hitchin defence for three tries.

A spiteful breeze blew, rain swept across at regular intervals across a pitch that was new territory for Farnham. Farnham were in control at the kick off but rushed it. Hitchin, spearheaded by their immense prop Johnson upset the Farnham rhythm. After successive penalties, the visitors teeter on the back foot. Hitchin break out and winger Davis – with pace to burn – coasts 80 metres for the opening score. Easy conversion for Fleming 7-0.

Nearly a full season of cohesive rugby has enabled Farnham to ride the storms that often arise in competitive sport. Captain Mike Salmon sets the example for his troops and rallies the boys. No panic. Back to basics. Absorb the initial battle and gradually take over the contest.

Penalty to Farnham and an easy three for Toby Salmon. Hitchin have concerns of their own as injuries mount to deplete their resources.

The sheer determination of Toby Salmon proves too much for the home defence. The kick off fielded, the jinking run and the dogged force to score the try – conversion successful. The whole Toby Salmon repertoire. 7-10 Farnham.

The home supporters demand more.

Kick off to Farnham and Batten on the charge, on to Daly - a brutal combination. Corlett powers through the centre and Comley is there on his shoulder for the first of his trio. The rampage is taking shape.

Premature thoughts? Hitchin burst back into the Farnham 22. No 8 Snodgrass on to winger Green who goes in at the corner. A revival is on the cards. 12-15.

The Farnham boys are enjoying their season. Their spirit and confidence is high. Assured of their ability, hey attack at pace. The support play a delight to watch. Ian Williams over for a try like a fainting Guardsman – unstoppable. 12-20.

Half time is approaching and Farnham will be into a wind that Coach Jamie Salmon believe is worth at least nine points. The margin between the sides remains small.

Pressure required and a quick tap and go by scrum half Oli Brown frees up Daly who off loads to Comley coming on at full pace. A sumptuous try! 12-27 with the extras for Toby Salmon.

The second half sees the introduction of the “Farnham Express” Gabe Hills, Trodden and Franklin to ramp up the intensity levels. Farnham are now playing into the wind. A frenetic start and penalty to Hitchin. The kicker stubs the effort and Jordan Frost breaks out at pace to free up Comley for his hat trick. 12-34 with again easy bonus extras.

The Home XV just cannot breakout and the pressure begins to tell. Blitz defence turns the ball over and Hills is on hand to destroy the home rearguard with superb running skills. It was no contest as he scores his try untouched. Salmon T with the conversion. 12-41.

This is turning into a rout. The Farnham backs are cutting swathes through the Hitchin defence. Weeks, Ben Brown, Rich Bremer are all making the hard yards. Hills the consummate finisher turns supplier to slip Club Captain Dave Hurley in at the corner 12-46.

The clock is running down and a doughty Hitchin squad are on their knees. Hills increases the pain with a jinking explosive individual attack to score and give proud skipper Mike Salmon an easy two extras. The afternoon’s final haul 12-53.

Another step to HQ taken.

Overall a good team display. The front row boys were dominant with Naisbitt outstanding. The back five of the pack all contributed and were ust too much for the Hitchin pack.
The speedies ruled the roost. All direct. All penetrative. Ed Weeks the pick of the bunch with audacious contributions from Toby Salmon and Gabe Hills – both are at the electrifying best.

Next week Old Tiffinians Away.

Podium Awards

Comley – three tries – tireless.
Naisbitt – led from the front
Ed Weeks – unlucky not to complete his scoring opportunities.