Farnham travelled to Old Alleynians on Saturday for the first time in twenty six years. On the back of three straight defeats Farnham were determined to secure their first league points of the season.

The game started at a relentless pace. Skipper Comley, who led by example throughout the match, burst through three tackles to set up an early opportunity. Back came OAs who looked threatening with quick ball. The pressure told and put Farnham on the back foot from where they conceded the first penalty which was converted - 3-0.

This Farnham outfit cannot be faulted for effort as Bond, Franklin, Simmons and Chiverton scrapped for every slice of possession. OAs held sway with a mobile second row and a combatant trio in the back row. Keeping the ball had to be Plan A for the afternoon.

With the sun on their backs, the OAs back division were confident with ball in hand. A blistering run by their left winger opened up the Farnham midfield. The defence held but a knock-on at the breakdown offered OAs an attacking scrum from which quick ball and backs taking their pass at pace allowed the home winger to crash over in the corner. The conversion was missed to leave the score 8-0.

Back came Farnham for one of their best periods. A long kicks from Mike Salmon and winger Ben Crean set up line-outs from which the forwards exerted pressure. On the second throw, the OAs hooker overthrew and the ball was snaffled by the predatory Bond who drove for the line. The next drive by Bill Dakunimata broke the gain line and from the ruck Simmons was unstoppable from ten yards - 8-5 and Farnham were back in the game.

The middle period of the first half produced periods of attack and counterattack with both sides probing for that elusive, hard won opportunity. A period of continuous pressure and Farnham were again exposed. Skipper Comley was yellow carded and the penalty converted to take the score to 11-5.

OAs three quarter line capitalised on Comley's dismissal and started to move up through the gears. A breakout secured a line-out on Farnham's 5 metre line from with the catch and drive proved undefendable and the home side were beginning to stretch away. From the resulting kick off the OAs swarmed back into the Farnham half adding to their total with a further try wide out. 23-5.

But Farnham refused to lie-down and a battering drive by Franklin supported by the front row of Yeomans, Ross and Black forced an opening in the OAs rear guard. On drove Simmons to release Salmon on the charge to score a superb team try, the conversion brought the score to 23-12 on the half-time whistle.

All was to play for as the battle recommenced. Sometimes in sport fitness and technique are outstripped by luck and this proved the case. Bond, invariably at the forefront of the breakdown, was penalised for wrapping up the OA's fly-half and received a dead-leg in the act. A double blow for the visitors - a penalty and their pack leader off injured. 26-12.

Sensing their advantage OAs went on the rampage with a brace of tries on the hour. Still Farnham would not relent, scrum half Oli Brown pulling the strings with fly half Chris Penn. Could the visitors come back?

The chances were enhanced when OAs flanker was red-carded for a tip tackle – which even the Farnham faithful felt to a little harsh. Nevertheless, this seemed to increase the resolve of the home side and galvanised into action the Farnham defence was outstripped for two further superb tries and the denouement of a classic miss move push OAs pass the fifty mark. 53-12 the final score.

An impressive win for an OAs team that worked hard all day in the pack to release their confident backs. Farnham were eventually out-driven at the set scrum but competed well at the line-out. Despite some stand-out performances from Podium Points winners: Franklin, Simmons and Salmon the visitors could retain any good ball which has to be the foundation of any victory. The two Farnham tries were the result of concentrated, organised team effort. However, this could not be sustained and the home side richly deserved their bonus point victory.

A long hard season looms for these Farnham players with much work required by the coaching staff and the players over the forthcoming six months.

Farnham host second placed Old Tottonians at Monkton Lane on Saturday 18th.