Farnham hold on to lead to beat New Milton

Unlike their England counterparts in the evening Farnham built a lead, albeit gradually eroded, and held on to it to defeat a dogged New Milton XV in the New Forest last Saturday.

This was an improved Farnham performance against a spirited home outfit who, led by their talisman No 8, just would not give in right up to the final whistle. With interest in rugby at an all time high the parallels between the afternoon and evening games was significant for a number of reasons - the scores were close, the lead gradually reduced with Farnham protecting their score and finishing strongly at the end to secure a bonus point victory.

Perfect conditions for September as New Milton opened proceedings with a rolling attack into the Farnham 22 - knock on and a clearance from Skipper Mike Salmon, the referee, who bemused and baffled both players and spectators alike for most of the afternoon, then awarded Farnham three penalties in succession against the Milton flanker who was surely living dangerously. Yellow card - no. 0-3 Farnham from the boot of the senior Salmon.

From a de Gruchy take at the kick off, Hooker Marshall and prop Joris drive for the home posts, held and a snipe by fly-half Toby Salmon to release crash ball centre James Corlett under the posts. Extras and 0-10.
Driven on by their back row New Milton battle to snatch back the momentum and drive for the line, a mix up in the visitors' defence and the home scrum half somehow manages to burrow through like a rampant otter (apologies to dear Bill McLaren) to put the home side on the scoreboard. 5-10.

Farnham stung into action had had a sleepy ten minutes, easily done after a frenetic start, and win ball at the line out through Ben Adams on through second row Ian Williams and again Joris to the 22, a pop pass from scrum half Olly Brown to a rampant Toby Comley who slides over unopposed. 5-15 and half time.

Perfect start to the second half for Farnham with the ball won at the kick off and deep inroads made into the 22 a weighted grubber kick by Toby Salmon and quick follow up 5-20 and an easy conversion slotted by brother Michael. A good period for Farnham the support play starting to gel and no weaknesses in the backs - attacking skills to the fore.

However, on a breezy day the odd mistake can prove costly and New Milton capitalise after a catch and drive at the line-out following another odd penalty award from the referee. 10-22.

Tails up and the home side battle back into the Farnham 22, miss move and obvious crossing to impede would be tackler Mike Salmon score and suddenly a comfortable cushion has reduced to 17-22.

Again Farnham snap back three consecutive drives through Naisbitt, Williams and Joris push back the New Milton defence, again three penalties, again no further action from the referee who continues to bewilder. Farnham take the points through Salmon Snr 17-25 and immediately go on the attack to clinch the game. Line-out ball off the top from the rapidly improving Ben Adams and superb handling through the back division to release full back Toby Comley, who had been at the forefront of most of the Farnham attacks all afternoon, try and conversion 17-32 and surely the game?

Like Wales the home side would not give up and a truly spirited last 10 minutes saw them score twice to close the gap and secure their own bonus point 29-32.

A good ding dong struggle with both sides bringing much to the table - a tribute to junior rugby full on effort, good skills, some mistakes and a quirky referee - perfect recipe for an entertaining afternoon.
That Farnham were in full pursuit of a fifth try at the close proves how tipsy turvy the honours had gone.
Next up the 1st XV's first home game of the season against Eastleigh who pipped Battersea Ironsides last weekend - should be close.

Podium
Skipper Mike Salmon - led from the front although needs to find his kicking boot. 3 points
Jules Joris - involved in all the dark side activity at scrum, maul, ruck and tackle - 2
Toby Comley - attacking from full back and popping up all over the pitch. Two tries. 1 point