Front Row Union (FRU) dominates proceedings as Farnham crush Trojans.

With veteran front rowers Barney Hart, Andrew Mortimore and Andrew Rubio tasked with Podium Judge duties, the emphasis was destined to be on forward attrition and so it was in an enthralling encounter at Monkton Lane.
The chilly north westerly breeze flecked with sleet whistled down the pitch from the Weybourne End. Trojans enjoying the elements for the first half. They are a conundrum as a side, big, fast and coordinated, they appear to offer impressive opposition – their drift defence frustrating the League Leaders for the first quarter of the match.
Unfortunately for the visitors’, fitness levels have to be aligned to a full match. Pummelled for 80 minutes, they were eventually forced to succumb after a valiant hour of end to end rugby. Did they deserve more? On balance – “No”, for as soon as the Farnham pack and the front row in particular began to wear down their counterparts the outcome was never in doubt.
For the first 20 minutes the game ebbed and flowed. Farnham’s multi-phase attacks prompted by half backs Oli Brown and Toby Salmon, were well supported by the back row’s three pronged marauders Daly, Davidson and Comley. Trojans on the back foot committing two or three to every tackle and breakdown. Successive attacks thwarted. Trojans recent run has been based on absorbing the pressure and breaking out. And after 18 minutes they did just that. Penalty with the wind to the Farnham 22, catch and drive exposing the short side with Trojans Bowker and Boyd setting up Pooley for the try. 0-5 with some head scratching from the Farnham XV. All-out attack but now a try against the run of play.
Tactics – tidier attacks and more support.
Trojans back under pressure; two clearance kicks charged down. Williams and Batten in the row burst through the middle onto Salmon Snr and on to Hurley and over wide out. Toby Salmon just pushing the conversion past the post. 5-5.
Despite the conditions the skill levels are impressive from both sides. The league leaders support play taking the edged as they attempt to run the Southampton boys off their feet. Corlett freed up and bullocking through the centre on to Mike Salmon and Ed Weeks who’s bundled into touch by Bailey but the Svarkofski look alike referee spots an infringement, penalty to Farnham. Toby Salmon to the corner, Daly at the line out frees up T. Salmon who is in under the posts and an easy conversion. 12-5.
Farnham continue to pull the opposition to and fro across the pitch, physical chess at its best with Trojans beating back the moves. Tobys Comley and Salmon in tandem backed by the front rowers of Jennings - enjoying his best season - Joris and Naisbitt. The attack is held and an injured Toby Salmon reluctantly hobbles from the pitch. Jemi Akin-Olugbade (Jemi) on at centre with Mike Salmon to fly half.
Scrum Farnham and the Trojans forwards driven back. Daly frees the ball and fast hands through the backs to a flying Ed Weeks tackled five metres out. Line out to Farnham on the Trojans. Daly again calls the shots and on to Mike Salmon for both try and conversion. 19-5.
James Franklin for Batten as half time approaches. Farnham will surely enjoy the wind at their backs.
If anything, the weather worsens, a spiteful sleet shower on the wind as Farnham kick off. Immediately on the attack Farnham club captain Hurley heads for the corner. The referee adjudges a high tackle and awards a penalty try and a yellow card. Double punishment for Trojans as Bailey trudges off to the bin. Mike Salmon with the extras 26-5 and Trojans under great pressure.
Spurred on by the vociferous crowd - who stamp their feet in a dual purpose activity - Farnham up the ante. Jonny Davidson is held up over the line. The Trojans defence is refusing to buckle easily. Ben Jones the next to be held at bay. Frustration, yes - but patience prevails as Farnham trundle a five metre scrum over for the Pete Daly pushover The Front Row Union relish the moment. 31-5.
It's starting to become one way traffic. The dogged rearguard stuff from the Trojan backs is beginning to wilt. Phased attack from Farnham, Comley through the gears and under the posts for an easy further two for Skipper Mike Salmon 38-5.
Still more to come as the clock runs down.
As an aside, the front row of the scrum is a dark place. The exponents of these dark arts are not really interested in the game. They watch that from their rear ends. Their understanding limited. Their sole interest is the scrum and now Nirvana one of their own – Jules Joris – has scored a try! Such trips to the try line are rare. Tears of joy are shed by the Podium Judges of the day. Another simple chip for Mike Salmon 45-5.
With the light fading and an even colder nip to the air, the final act again delights the FRU as the scrum again batters the tired Trojans pack – push over for Pete Daly and the 50 up.
A satisfying result and another five pointer to the league tally. Eastleigh win to keep the pressure on Farnham and remain unbeaten and just one point adrift. The Farnham squad is bearing fruit. All today’s bench players made huge contributions. Jemi brings years of experience and his timing in both tackle and pass, Jason Crabb adds bite and dog to the party and James Franklin adds power and good hands.
With Fran Meagher, Jordan Frost, Dan Williams, Cameron Armstrong and Dean Chiverton all playing on the adjoining pitch for the 2nds and players also coming back from injury, the cupboard is beginning to fill for the three month run in to the end of the season.
No league action next week. Farnham entertain league leaders Harlow from London 3 North East in the RFU Junior Vase Area Quarter Final. Lunch will be served at 12.45 prior to a 2pm kick off.
Podium Points – what else could we expect - go to:
Front Row prop – Jules Joris – 3 points
Front Row Hooker – Lenny Jennings – 2 points
And, finally, Front Row Prop – Andy Naisbitt – 1 point.