On a cold blustery day at Grists Meadow, East Moseley the home of Old Tiffinians, Farnham, in an evenly matched, hugely contested encounter, were just edged out 20-17 after a virtuoso display by Old Tiffinians fly-half Alex Parker who had one of those games where everything he tried, despite the testing conditions, came off.

From a Farnham perspective it was again frustrating as the visitors played well if frenetically at times, control was improved and decision making much better than the previous week's debacle.

Signs were good for the visitors from the off as their reshuffled pack began to make inroads - Naisbitt, Jennings and Joris at the coal face in the front row with a makeshift second row of Dan Williams and Will Markham. The back row took a familiar look with Toby Comley on the flank alongside Fran Meagher at 6 and a first outing of the season for Buster Bond at 8. Although perhaps vulnerable in the scrum five breakaway forwards could also help to tip the balance in broken play. So it proved with Williams and Bond on the drive and the cherubic referee, surely a model for men's moisturiser, repeatedly penalising the Tiffs rearguard, four penalties in a row and at last real pressure a sumptuous 60 metre grubber kick by skipper Mike Salmon line out secure and driven - penalty - 3 points. 0-3 Farnham.

The first quarter had been attritional, big forwards driving mauls, solid defence from both sides the game ebbing and flowing between the 22 metre lines, Parker breaks the line and frees up his centres OTs are held scrum - penalty that man Parker with the points - 3-3.

Still the tide flows one way and then another - Bond Williams and Markham in the ascendancy then Comley and Meagher scrapping in defence. Again OTs break out Farnham beat back the first wave but the increasingly influential Parker breaks the second defence with an audacious off load to his support runners in under the posts 10-3 right on half time.

Farnham now have a slight advantage the wind in their favour and the Salmon brothers kicking astutely for territory under the watchful eye of coach for the day father Jamie. Superb touch line find from Skipper Mike Salmon - turnover and Tiffs go for broke with a rolling backs move - winger in field - high tackle - advantage and a superbly struck drop goal for a further 3 points. 13-3.

Farnham pressure from the kick off and a superb drive by the forwards, line out and more pressure Winger Ed Weeks over for the try with extras from Mike Salmon. 13-10.

The game is now starting to open up, increased pace even more frenetic, OTs attack thwarted but the try line beckons, defence holds, attack point moving ominously forward and closer to the posts, final dart by the scrum half 18-10 plus the extras with 70 minutes gone.

Bond continues to rule at the breakdown, the turnovers mount up Farnham are still in the game - penalty - Mike Salmon excruciatingly close from 40 metres in the swirling wind. Jonny Davidson now on the flank with Meagher in the second row as the injuries mount. Coutts has dominated with Naisbitt in the front row.

Comley rampages down the left to free up Flyhalf Toby Salmon - in under the posts - quick extras 20-17. Final effort for Farnham.

A speculative chip and chase by full back Elliott Rich is swallowed up by the Tiffs defence, the clock runs down and man of the match Parker deservedly kicks the ball into touch for a well earned win.

Farnham were just edged out here but there was no denying the influence of Parker, silky running, classy line breaks and all the right decisions. Farnham put in an improved display strengthened by the return of Coutts and Bond.

Home game next week against Old Whitgiftians 2pm Monkton Lane.

Podium

Buster Bond

Mike Salmon

Fran Meagher