After the ten try demolition of Trojans this was real end of season fayre. At the start of the day Old Tiffinians were still hovering above the relegation zone, they needed the points to assure survival. Farnham, for the first time in eleven years, were neither in the promotion zone or in danger of demotion - in short they had nothing to play for and it showed.
This was a lacklustre display and there were quite a few sheepish faces in the changing rooms and bar after the game. Only in the last twenty minutes did Farnham come to the party, to tie the match at 18-18 after a full blooded yet error and turnover strewn encounter.
Tiffinians have a well organised old boy set up and for this fixture they were proud to announce that all of the team had come through this famous old Kingston school. It showed - they were a well organised, fit outfit. Pace in the backs through man of the match Ben Mellet at Flyhalf and inside centre Tim Fawcett and power up front through Mallik and Cassidy.
Farnham started brightly but soon a pattern began to develop, individual forays and attacks were quickly snuffed out and turnovers at the breakdown began to mount, Mallik in over the ball, quick ball and Fawcett over in the corner. No extras on this blustery occasion.
Still Farnham persisted in lone attacks, end of season 7s type rugby and increasingly the lone attackers became isolated. Frustrating for players and spectators.
At last a passage of play with Farnham 'keeping the pill' a scavenging Ben Adams won the ball on the ground, on to Will Markham and fast hands from scrum half Olli Brown to speedster Luke Jermyn 5-5. Again the wind controlling the kick (more of that later - Sic!)
Farnham beginning to shake out the lethargy and with Meagher and Trodden driving through the Tiffs defence the ball somehow, miraculously pops up to Toby Comley who with a delightful chip and scoop slides over in the corner to put Farnham in front.
Lessons not learnt Farnham go through a period of spilling the ball in the tackle, isolated in attack and again the mistakes bear fruit for Tiffs - turnover and a repeat try for Fawcett out wide. 10-10.
The regulars are starting to grumble, Farnham find themselves in a comfort zone for the first time in many seasons and the intensity and snap is completely missing from their normally high pressure approach. Safety has bred a frustrating malaise.
The game is being played at a high tempo aided by the no-nonsense Yorkshire exchange referee. The turnovers mount, the penalties are equally shared and all missed until just prior to the break. Farnham infringe at the ruck. 10-13 Tiffs.
Farnham now have the wind in their favour and the cognoscenti judge it to be a 15 point advantage - will Farnham make the most of it.
Promise is immediate - beautifully judged 'dink' from Mike Salmon chased down by Corlett and Weekes puts Farnham into the Ts 5 metre area. Line out won by Comley and, annoyingly turned over again - the Tiffs scavengers constantly win the dark arts of the breakdown - their lines cleared the excellent Mellet launches a series of attacks, probing left and right. Into the home 22 - high tackle by Farnham's Ian Williams, adjudged dangerous - yellow card. Penalty to Tiffs and the line out drive set up and unstoppable from 5 metres. 10-18.
The fast open, yet mistake riddled,rugby continues both sides trying to probe for an opening - at last Farnham secure the ball for a sustained attack. Penalty won and a 5 metre scrum,a series of pick and drives. Penalty and warnings to the Tiffs defenders 13-18.
At last Farnham are at the races - Naisbitt and Jennings tightening the drive in the set scrums, OTs starting to tire?
Penalty at the scrum - pick and drive and an NFL type launch from No 8 Will Markham sees Farnham level at 18-18. The conversion missed by Mike Salmon.
The final ten minutes are a catalogue of attack and counterattack with Farnham shading the territory - penalty to Mike Salmon - slides wide.
Back come Farnham with 84 minutes on the clock - penalty surely this time. The usually trusty boot of Michael Salmon is awry again in the teasing blustery conditions. The final result 18-18. Honours even.
Podium
Will Markham - 3
Ben Adams - 2
Toby Salmon - 1