The last day of another long season and a match against old rivals Battersea Ironsides. The Irons are renowned for their uncompromising forwards and their adventurous backs - Farnham were determined to match them in both departments on an unseasonably chilly April afternoon.
A swirling breeze greeted both teams and the intent was marked from the onset with two brutal scrums, each side being successful - the sparring had begun. Early probing and a penalty to Farnham - line-out and ball off the top and after a scramble Mike Salmon emerges on the charge, rangy running and a quick transfer to Luke Jermyn, cut back and the elusive Elliot Rich breaks the defence to feed the effervescent Toby Salmon - try wide out. The first blow to Farnham 5-0.
Back come the Battersea Boys with a huge clearance penalty kick into the Farnham 22 after an infringement at the breakdown. Referee unhappy with Farnham's tactics at the ruck - further punishment and an easy 3 for Ironsides Ben Mott. 5-3.
The referee is not impressed and once again Farnham err after the tackle. Frustration and another wind assisted penalty sails into the home 22 - line out catch and drive with Irons 6 Kirwan on control duty - try 5-8 again no fun for the kickers.
The game is starting to fizz. Punch and counter and Farnham break out. Again skipper Mike Salmon on the surge, all power on to the jinking Rich and an offload to Ed Weekes - pace and a try in the corner. Mum and Dad pleased!! 10-8.
No respite and the Irons regroup, play the wind perfectly, pressure with lock Conor Gaul on the drive, stopped illegally, penalty and an easy slot for Mott. 10-11.
This is becoming an end to end tussle - a credit to the fitness and skills on show. Another home break out Trodden over - no - knock on. Scrum 5 and Farnham disrupt Buster Bond on and being a bloody nuisance at the base. Broken play and Toby Salmon over through the smallest of gaps. Easy for brother Mike 17-11 in the 44th minute of an extended half. Still time for Mott to ease over another penalty 17-14 at the break.
The fresh breeze has livened the crowd after their Sportsman's Lunch celebrations of the previous day. Did guest speaker Austin Healey inspire the first half of running rugby - the second half would confirm that it did.
Farnham out of the blocks with the breeze increasing and in their favour. The pack on the loose, the Williams boys through the centre and on to Jonny Davidson, Ollie Brown with Mike Salmon on his shoulder - try.
Now the boot is putting Battersea under the cosh and a wayward pass gives Ed Weekes the chance to complete his brace. 27-14.
Meagher and Foster coupled with the combined force of Comley and Bond are starting to rule broken play - Meagher smashes into the tackle, spilt ball and Rich, who enjoyed his best Farnham game, glides over under the posts - easy for Salmon 34-14.
After the flat affairs of the last two weeks Farnham are enjoying their final run out of the season. Comley rides his luck, skill and positioning to follow up his own kick through, recover the bouncing ball and romp over unopposed. Success for Salmon brings up the palindromic score 41-14.
Irons are not 4th in the league by accident and through sheer bloody cussedness they come back and enjoy deserved success in the last two rounds of the battle - full back Breen, and winger Williams both constant threats combine to score - 41-19 and with the clock ticking down the game finishes as it began - full on attritional scrums, the front rows battling to the end - no 8 O'Keefe over to restore some pride. 41-24.
Battles will recommence next season - this was a full blooded encounter between two good sides. A testament to both clubs.
Podium final score:
Toby Salmon - 3
Elliott - 2
Fran - 1