Farnham enjoy a great character win against Old Tiffinians

This was Farnham's “Character Win” of the season. Traffic jams all the way and Toby Comley, the team’s prize race horse, pulling a fetlock in the warm up. What else could go wrong? Old Tiffinians out of the blocks early 7-0. But this was the only time they led in the match. Farnham, driven on by Pete Daly plus Mike and Toby Salmon eventually ran out cricket score winners at 22-71.

Farnham could assure promotion as they took on Old Tiffinians in Thames Ditton while across the road third placed Old Cranleighians entertained close rivals Eastleigh. Who would prevail?

A stiff breeze greeted the visiting Farnham squad - already depleted due to unavailability and injury - the cause was compounded when back row star Toby Comley tweaked a hamstring in the warm up. Farnham started tentatively - sparring with the opposition.

Tiffs are orchestrated by their talented fly half Watkins - he pulls the strings, shapes the attacks - the boss! Four minutes gone and the first Act is in play. Watkins dummy, gap produced and winger Davies over in the corner. In to the stiff breeze Watkins completes the extras. 7-0.

Character will out and Gabe Hills, back from two years in Australia, sets off on one of his mazy runs - on to Weeks for skipper Salmon M to score under the posts - easy for brother Toby. 7-7 and Tiffs have had their period in the lead - just 7 minutes.

The OTs play an expansive game, three quarters interplay with ease and the fit, albeit light pack support the moves. Pacey, they are but also prone to mistakes. Farnham pressure and a turnover allows Mike Salmon to breakout and put brother Toby under the posts - easy extras 7-14.

Tiffs with the breeze at their backs drive for the Farnham try-line, held illegally - penalty and 2nd rower Ian Williams to the bin - Watkins makes no mistake - 10-14.

The referee is ruffling feathers, pedantic, officious even exclaiming it's not a maul it's a tackle - shades of learning a new law last weekend. Farnham are frustrated but respond from a scrum - eventual man of the match Daly with an outrageous charge from the base of the scrum - on to winger Weeks and fullback Hills on hand to claim the try - conversion for Toby Salmon 10-21.

Farnham are beginning to enjoy themselves - fast hands through Oli Brown, back to his best, and on to the evergreen Corlett - Weeks in at the flag.10-26 after the half hour.

Restart and the visitors go on the rampage - James Franklin clean at the kickoff and Brown sniping into the OTs 22 - Ian Williams on hand bundled over by the supporting pack - teamwork alive and well!

Again easy for Toby Salmon - 10-31.

As half time looms Tiffs’ Parker shows wonderful skills with a grubber kick behind the Farnham blitz - easy try for winger Snead. Shock as Watkins misses the conversion 15-31 at the break.

Farnham begin the half with a cute line out - fast to Daly on the 5 metre line driven on by Jonny Davidson and Naisbitt. The attack breaks down with a slight fumble but with Trodden on for Joris (fatigued after the arrival of new baby), the scrummage is aggressive. Successive five metre scrums allows Toby Salmon to score a pressure try and the plus points 15-38.

Franklin to the bin for what looked like a fair challenge - OTs drive from the penalty - try by Davies with the immaculate Watkins claiming the 2. 22-38.

Coaches Andy James and Jamie Salmon encourage the killer blows from the backs and Farnham respond - Naisbitt on hand after a mass breakout - again easy for Toby Salmon.

OTs attack beaten back - their defending has taken its toll. No way over the Farnham try-line - now back to full strength - Franklin back at 6, Meagher and Battten both relentless in picking out the weak points in the home guard. On 70 minutes the predator in Hills lights up - untouchable and over under the posts 22-50 with once more a further 2 from Toby Salmon.

Whilst OTs have not succumbed they are under the cosh - Pete Daly pick up from the base - try. 22-57.

The final five minutes is a feast of running supporting rugby spearheaded by the Salmon brothers. The restart claimed and a 100 metre breakout through Oli Brown on to Ben Jones, Corlett and Weeks - Mike Salmon try and brother with the formality 22-64.

The denouement an individual effort by Salmon the younger plus his extras 22-71.

A superb character win for the league leaders, a tremendous team effort to demolish a very good Old Boys XV - rugby the winner in the end after a frustrating start to the afternoon.

The other result OCs 26-37 Eastleigh - Promotion virtually assured.

Podium Points
Pete Daly - the colossus led from the front - 3 points
Skipper Michael Salmon - 2 points - so many rampaging runs
Brother Toby Salmon - massive talent - abrasive, determined and classy - 1 point

Next week Weybridge Vandals at home - Lunch at 1.45pm with a 3pm kick off (TBC)