The dressing room told the story - heads bowed, some furious, some battered - all disappointed. Farnham had been beaten 12-14 by a Trojans XV who both managed the conditions and played to their not inconsiderable strengths.

Gale force winds rattled across the Monkton Lane pitches as Farnham met their Southampton rivals Trojans - playing against the gale in the first half Farnham received the kick and put together a phased attack which eventually broke down on the Trojans 5 metre line - this was the way to play against the howling gale - close support, retain possession and deny the opposition any opportunity to put boot to ball.

Well that was the plan and to their credit Farnham stuck to it into the teeth of the wind. Trojans probed for territory with ground eating kicks, their line out secure and their scrum beginning to rumble. It was cat and mouse, close support drives by Farnham through the forwards with Ian Williams, Andy Naisbitt and Ben Adams to the fore, the wind playing tricks, the inevitable mistake and back come Trojans - pressure and a 5 metre scrum. The Farnham pack creak and the Trojans transfer the ball out wide for the opening salvo 0-7 to the visitors.

The battle is being led by the conditions, swirling winds, rain whipping across the pitch - in short filthy conditions. With handling errors in abundance the scrums became the key area and the heavier Trojans 8 upping the ante. This was never going to be a free flowing spectacle. Half time.

Farnham regroup the wind now in their favour and the signs are good, Oli Brown is beginning to boss proceedings and Toby Salmon probing away in midfield - fullback Elliott Rich on the angle at pace a pop pass to Toby Salmon - try and easy extras for brother Mike. 7-7.

The pressure now on Trojans but Farnham repeatedly fail to use the wind to gain territory - at last a penalty and an attacking line-out - quick ball from Toby Comley driven by Johnny Davidson and James Trodden, a snipe by scrum half Oli Brown, Corlett on to Mike Salmon - try in the corner. 12-7.

Now the frustration and the Trojans back lash - the visitors have come for the spoils and drive successive mauls 15 and 20 metres the penalty count mounts. More pressure and a 5 metre scrum - stoppage, Brown off with a broken nose - Comley to scrum half Chiverton on the flank Dan Williams into the row and Will Markham to 8. Concentration required after the extended break, big drive by Trojans and quick ball to the backs, loop move and try, a difficult kick in the swirling wind will make a difference - success and Trojans edge ahead. 12-14.

The last twenty minutes are a tale of two sides - Trojans play the conditions with tight driving mauls, pick and drives from the scrum denying Farnham any meaningful possession. But back come the home forwards driving for the posts, scrum and a pick and go by Markham, held but deemed illegally right in front of the posts - penalty. The get out of jail card with two minutes to go but wait skipper

Mike Salmon has opted for the quick tap and go and is stopped short - scrum to

Trojans and they use all their experience to run down the clock for a well deserved win.

Farnham will learn from this, they were out thought and out-muscled on this occasion - game management was poor and the last ditch penalty decision was the final nail in the coffin.

Old Tiffinians away next week - a win in is vital to lift the spirits after three successive defeats.

Podium

Toby Salmon--3

Toby Comley - 2

Ian Williams - 1