Battling Farnham still "Pointless"

If Farnham were contestants on the TV show Pointless they would be in pole position.

Welcoming Tottonians to Monkton Lane for their first encounter since 2006 Farnham were strengthened by the return of Gabe Hills and the introduction of Tosh Masson in the centre. A further trump card was played moving Fijiian Bill Dakunimata to the blind side and Jason Crabb to 8 releasing Buster Bond to the open side of the scrum.
This was Farnham's strongest starting line up for some weeks as the walking wounded gradually return to fitness.
Wherever possible you must never allow a rugby ball to bounce as it will play tricks and if luck is against you, as it seems to be for Farnham this season, it will play straight into the opposition's hands as it did in the opening minute of this enthralling match. Farnham had started well securing possession and through Mike Salmon cleared their lines - it was a nothing kick neither going into touch nor pressurising Tottonians. The fullback hoisted a speculative bomb and whilst the chasers appeared to have no chance the ball bounced directly back into the hands of their charging centre who skidded over under the posts unopposed. A cruel slice of fortune in the opening minute. The conversion complete and 0-7 to the visitors.
The considerable crowd got behind their home favourites and some encouraging drives by Dakunimata, Franklin and Crabb began to put Farnham on the front foot, at last the faithful had something to cheer. Bond in turning over the ball was impeded penalty to Farnham and Mike Salmon takes the points 3-7
Punch and counterpunch and back came Totts - a line out on the home 22 was adjudged not straight and from the ensuing scrum Totts produced quick ball. At pace the momentum was transferred across the pitch to their rampaging right winger who slid over in the corner. In blustery conditions the fullback completed the extras with a massive kick from the touch line. 3-14 with still only 8 minutes on the clock.
Farnham now entered into their best 60 minutes of the season so far. Tottonians, who now sit on top of the league, are a physical, well-organised XV an excellent scrum and line-out is backed by streetwise, fit backs. For the mid-hour of this match
Farnham slugged it out toe to toe with the league leaders. The backs were starting to play with confidence scrum-half Oli Brown prompting and sniping providing quick ball for Mike Salmon, moved to fly-half for the injured Chris Penn, who seemed to relish the opportunity to free up Masson and Chas Penn in the centre. The back three of Gabe Hills, skipper Toby Comley and full back Dave Hurley were all willing to attack at every opportunity. Time after time the home side threatened only to be thwarted by a resolute Totts defence. Confidence is returning and Farnham began to vary their points of attack, using Dakunimata as the first 'battering ram' receiver followed up by Simmons and Franklin on the charge - exciting yet frustrating in equal measure. An exchange of penalties saw the score move to 6-17 as both sides sought to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
Farnham turned down the opportunity for two further kicks at goal opting for the line-out in the corner on both occasions. Both catch and drives were driven back and Farnham again came away pointless. Old school diehards on the touch lines were unanimous "take the points on offer" 12-17 at halftime would have looked better. It was not to be and both sides trooped off for a well-earned halftime break. 6-17.
Last season Farnham lost only once - this season more was expected, however, Tottonians scrummaged slightly lower than Farnham forcing them to concede the lion's share of the penalties allowing the Totts fullback to use his howitzer right boot to gain territory. It is the little things that are costing Farnham and if these can be eradicated the home side will begin to see more reward for their efforts. The scrum was coming under increasing pressure and the referee began to lose patience with the Farnham front row on 70 minutes the dam finally burst as the Totts scrum rumbled forward quick ball and another try under the posts.
From the resulting kick off Farnham produced a moment of magic, regaining the kick off the ball was released to Gabe Hills on the wing who, although hemmed in, managed to break two tackles, ease into top gear, chip and touch down in one sinuous movement. A huge conversion from Salmon took the score to 13-24.
A tumultuous final ten minutes saw both sides battling for points. Another score would offer Farnham the chance of a bonus point at least and a further try would give Totts a similar reward.
The final battle commenced, Farnham held up on the line and then with the clock ticking down the final blow to Totts - a scrappy scrum ending up in a collapsed maul against one of the posts and after a seemingly endless melee Totts were awarded the try with the extras completed on the final whistle 13-31.
The first and last tries both distorted the score line - this was a close game for seventy minutes and Farnham had shown some flashes of what they are capable of - the signs are good and taking the league leaders so close should build up the confidence levels for the forthcoming round of matches.
The Podium Points awarded by a celebrity panel of Judges:
Bond 3
Hills 2
Franklin 1