After an unassuming show of celebration Skipper Toby Comley led his team off the Monkton Lane pitch to the deserved applause from the crowd. Farnham were victorious at home for the first time in this difficult season.

The conditions were bitter, a chilly blast whistling down the pitch made the game one of two halves. Farnham started off with the Arctic wind at their backs and both sides sparred for the opening score - a victory here was vital for both sides in their fight for survival in London 2 SW. Both Tadley and Farnham were promoted into the upper echelons at the beginning of the season - Tadley from the Berkshire Merit Table and Farnham from London SW 3. Both sides have struggled with the increased intensity and quality of this league.

Centre Jemi akin-Oligbade (Jemi) earned the plaudits for his work at the breakdown, winning turnover after turnover and setting the tone for the match with a thundering tackle on his opposite number in the first minute, but the back row trio of James Kenna, Buster Bond and Reece de Gruchy were not far behind, earning praise from the Tadley supporters and the guest Devon Society Referee for their persistence in defence, in the tackle and, as all good back row forwards do, making a complete nuisance of themselves around the breakdown.

This must-win encounter began to swing Farnham's way from the 4th minute when Tadley conceded a penalty at the first scrum - with the wind at his back fl-half Chris Penn slotted the 40 metre effort with distance to spare. Both sides were battling for position but decision making on both sides probably reflected their lowly positions in the league. Farnham through Penn were kicking for position and Tadley, against the wind, were mounting sweeping attacks from deep in their own half. It was turning into an intriguing confrontation - Tadley on the attack with their pick up and drive tactics being smashed back by the resilient Farnham defence. Simmons and Harrison in the row putting in huge tackles around the fringes of the rucks. Coutts, Davidson and Naisbitt striving for extra yards on the drive.

From a line-out on the Tadley 22 Farnham put Corlett through the centre. He's held and the visitors stray offside. Penalty! And a further three points to the home side.

Farnham were starting to dominate in the tight and from a Buster Bond pick up and driving maul the backs released full back Hurley to score wide out. No extras but a 11-0 cushion.

Tadley enjoyed their best period for the next 10 minutes with wave after wave of attacks just failing to breach the Farnham defence. The Farnham tackling and swarming blitz defence just too much for the Tadley attack. At last a break out and a chance for a score. Hurley to flying winger Tom O'Connor and over in the corner - no TV replays but the referee on the spot to disallow the try - forward pass - frustratingly untidy. Two minutes later and Farnham have their reward. Scrum half Oli Brown off the base of the scrum and O'Connor makes amends. 16-0 plus the extras from Penn. A healthy 18-0 lead as the half drew to a close.

Farnham are now playing into the biting wind. Could they retain their important lead?

A frenetic start to the second half and the defence increases in intensity. Camped in the home 22, Tadley try to force home a scoring opportunity to get on the scoreboard. Back come the Farnham defence. Tadley turn down two kickable penalties opting for the line out and drive both are repelled by the Farnham pack driving the visitors off the field. The clock is ticking down and the frustration levels increase Tadley are fighting for the score that may offer the lifeline. The Farnham pack refuse to budge increasingly winning the scrums. After a Farnham attack peters out the Tadley fly half launches a towering up and under which is caught by full back Hurley at full pace passing on to centre Chas Penn a clinching score is a racing certainty. Three yards out and the 'scoring'pass drifts into touch. Another chance wasted for that all important bonus point.

Minutes remain as Tadley launch a final series of attacks. Brown is penalised for a crooked feed and after three attempts the Visitors second row crashes over for a consolation try.

This win lifts Farnham off the bottom of the table and offers hope of survival in Division 2. The effort, organisation and sheer bloody mindedness of the defence won the day, more of this and safety will be assured.

The referee scored the Podium Points this week - Jemi 3 points, Bond 2 and Hurley 1 - a proud skipper Comley dressed as Snooker Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan led his victorious team into the Club House dressed as Sporting Legends including David Boon, Usain Bolt, Oscar Pistorius, John McEnroe and many other famous sportsmen to celebrate their well deserved and vital win.