Euphoria as Farnham book Twickenham Final place

A terrific day at Monkton Lane on Saturday culminating in a thrilling win for Farnham 32-21 over classy Cornish contenders Saltash.
If ever there was a day when rugby was the winner - this was it.
With the Cornish visitors greeted with the biggest Kernow Flag possible and a welcome in Cornish - over 190 sat for lunch backed up by many more enjoying Burgers and Chips.
The scene was set - dry with a breeze blowing diagonally across from the School corner. It was to play a part.
Both sides out of the blocks determined to grab the game by the scruff as early as possible. Exchanges even.
On two minutes skipper Mike Salmon bursting on to turnover ball breeches the initial Saltash defence and the defending backs are turned - Scrum half Ollie Brown on the shoulder to up the pace and on to winger Ben Jones - try and a perfect start to settle the near 1000 crowd ringing the pitch. Toby Salmon with a difficult conversion into the breeze. Close but no. 5-0.
From the kick off Saltash come back with intent - the Cornish scrum half Mulberry who rifled fast accurate passes all game was beginning to mix it up, sniping around the fringes and setting his backs in motion. Sweeping attack right and left and Saltash held five metres out - penalty and they opt for the line out - immediately sacked by Daly and penalty to Farnham. Lines cleared.
Saltash still have the momentum and they are helped by Farnham - the line out is just not working. They have done their homework. Joe Ronayne at 4 seemingly reading the Farnham calls is causing havoc.
Four consecutive line outs lost - Frustrating for the home fans.
Jennings, Comley and Crabb perplexed - Farnham forced to live off scraps as the scrums are at parity. The tension is palpable. Both sides taking turns to exert pressure - the pace of the game electric.
Both Farnham wingers Ed Weeks, eventual man of the match, and Ben Jones are forced into try saving last gasp tackles. The home try line remains secure.
On 31 minutes again a Mike Salmon break out on through Comley and Franklin, full back Gabe Hills through a gap try wide out 10-0 with the conversion again held on the breeze.
Farnham are starting to rumble has the first 30 minutes wounded the Cornishmen. Jordan Frost on for Ian Williams and on the rampage into Corlett , Toby Comley on the shoulder to score under the posts. Easier for Toby Salmon 17-0.
From the kick off Farnham are put under huge pressure, the Saltash backs hit their straps and the pace of the game ramps up another gear. Line out on 5 metres and Mulberry on the cut back over for a deserved try. Easy extras for Reburn. 17-7.
Saltash enjoyed 70 per cent of the possession in the first period - the Farnham defence firm, aggressive and coordinated undone by an explosive cut back to wrong foot the rearguard. Concerns for the home crowd.
Farnham's turn to exert pressure and a penalty for not releasing -
Saltash penalised and a superb kick by Mike Salmon to complete the half 20-7. A good advantage with Farnham now enjoying the wind at their backs.
Early battles open up the second half - both sides probing at pace, the tackling commitment from both sides brutal. The Salmon brothers both turning the Saltash defence with monstrous breeze assisted kicks - the visitors forced to respond from deep with the gain line a long way up the pitch - ten minutes of cat and mouse. Defences holding.
On 50 minutes a flying Ed Weeks weaves down the left touchline, steps in and is tackled one metre short. Ollie Brown on hand to pop up to Jason Crabb on the burst. Try - unsure. Referee confers with the touch judge. Awarded - collective sigh of relief. 25-7.
Still the attacks come from both sides - this is a heavyweight contest at speed. Both defences hold sway.
The game is moving into the last ten and Farnham put together a sweeping attack - held short and awarded the scrum. The ball won Pete Daly on the pick up, sucks in three or four defenders to free up Toby Salmon at his best, squirming, twisting through the final three metres - try under the posts. Easy for brother Mike 32-7.
Game over - Saltash have other plans - they are not to be denied their day. With only eight minutes left first winger Moriarty blasts over from short range for a try. Reburn with the bonus. 32-14.
Farnham respond as the clock ticks down but the late exchanges are all Saltash momentum. The last minute and centre Ben Hocking over for another consolation - Reburn with the last kick of the match. 32-21. Too late to rescue a momentous rugby day. One that will live long in the memory - great occasion, played in superb spirit and a tribute to the fitness and skill levels of both sides.
Farnham march on to Twickenham on May 6th. A great achievement for the Club. Book your places now. Details of tickets, coaches etc will be released in the next week or so - don't miss it!
A superb effort by the whole squad - starters and finishers all played their part - Joris, Jennings, Naisbitt, Trodden and Coutts in the front row backed by Williams, Franklin and Crabb in engine room. The back row attacked and tackled themselves to a standstill - Daly, Comley, Frost and Davidson.
The backs too stood to a man, tackled ferociously and attacked often with blistering pace. Chapeau to Ollie Brown, the Salmon Brothers, Corlett, Jones and Weeks, Hills backed by Jemi, Hurley and Stennet - a great day and a great win against a very spirited squad from Saltash.
As I said "Rugby was the winner"
Podium
Ed Weeks - attack and defence faultless - 3 points
Pete Daly - 2 great afternoon
Oli Brown - 1 petit general