Walkover hands Farnham promotion

Weybridge Vandals were unable to field a front row for last Saturday’s game against Farnham and so conceded the game. Farnham’s commitment to the Cup means the fixture could not be rearranged. The silver lining to an otherwise grey cloud is that the five points gained ensures Farnham will be one of the two teams promoted to London 2 South West next season.
Third placed Old Cranleighans are on 69 points after their bonus point win over US Portsmouth and, with only 15 more points available this season, are unable to overhaul Farnham’s total of 88. Despite losing by one point at home to Battersea Ironsides, second placed Eastleigh on 79 points continue to threaten for Championship honours.
Farnham have a tricky run in to close out the season. The first hurdle will be at Old Cranleighans on 18th March to determine the winners of the regional section of RFU Junior Vase followed the week after by a repeat fixture in the league. Farnham then entertain 7th placed Battersea Ironsides on 1st April – never a walkover as proved by their victory over Eastleigh – and are away to fourth placed Basingstoke in the last round on 8th April.
Farnham’s Captain Mike Salmon said, “Farnham 1st XV has had probably its best season ever. We are only three points away from scoring 1000 points in league and cup competition. That is a phenomenal achievement for any club at any level.
“We have great set of pacey and talented backs – and I have to include my younger brother in that – and a big, strong pack that consistently wins good ball to put us on the front foot. But more importantly, we are a team that defends as a team and scores team tries. That every regular first team player has scored at least one try this season is the proof,” he said.
Farnham’s success is based on strength in depth. The 1st XV has fielded 30 different players this season. The club junior section has played its part with no less than five players selected for this seasons 1st XV playing Academy rugby last year. The 2nd XV are currently mid-table in a highly competitive Surrey 2nd XV Championship and on Saturday went down fighting to a very strong Camberley 2nd 8-26.