Make no mistake this was a full on, often spiteful, encounter. Warlingham defending an unbeaten home run were determined to spoil Farnham's revival. And spoil it they did with a powerful last twenty minutes as the much lighter Farnham pack began to fall off the scrums and driving mauls.

The home victory by 38-17 puts Farnham back in the dreaded drop zone as Portsmouth, whom Farnham beat last week, recorded a much needed home victory over Old Reigatians. The tussle to stay in London SW 2 will go right down to the final games of the season on April 11th with Farnham at home to Effingham and Leatherhead whilst rivals Portsmouth travel to Old Alleynians. It's close.

Back to Warlingham. The Polish exchange referee - a new initiative by the RFU to encourage rugby in Europe - began proceedings fresh from refereeing the National School Sevens. Warlingham were straight on to the attack with massive inroads from their tight head prop as the home side went for the early score. Phase after phase defended by the Farnham Wall and an interception - Chris Penn out of the 22, over halfway and a chip and chase. Warlingham isolated under their posts and from the scrum, the Visitors maul towards the line, the final few feet and Andy Naisbitt emerges from the pile-up - first blood Farnham 7-0 with the Chris Penn conversion.

Warlingham, have enjoyed their best season, are stung into retribution, Farnham penalised for holding on. The referee's interpretation of this particular law, whilst consistent for both sides all afternoon, was virtually player to ground instant penalty. Having already missed an earlier goal attempt the fly half opts for the corner.

Line-out secured and the ball spun wide where the Warlingham bull-like prop rampages over for a try. 5-7.

With the wind over Warlingham Hill on the increase Chris Penn begins to take advantage with a series of probing kicks to the corners Warlingham pinned back and once more isolated Penn-alty. 5-10.

The Polish penalty count is on the rise with both sides erring in the eyes of the young referee. The 'cheap shot' side of the Warlingham pack is beginning to emerge as their second row and tight head prop begin to operate bully boy tactics long after the ball has disappeared. A sad reflection on their game and one, given their current position, they do not need to employ. First Oli Brown at scrum half then skipper Toby Comley get the 'late' treatment. Perhaps unsettled Farnham fumble an up and under and Warlingham take the points 8-10.

Ignoring the increasing niggle, Farnham drive for the posts as half-time approaches. Despite the retreating scrum Reece de Gruchy manages to retrieve the situation to free up Chris Penn who, with a delightfully measured chip through sets up his brother Chas to streak over in the corner. A touch line conversion from Chris Penn and Farnham are 8-17 to the good, however, from the kick-off another adjudged 'not releasing' and 3 points for the home side. 11-17 at the break.

Frustration has been mounting throughout the first half with some of the Warlingham tactics. The second half, whilst evenly contested for twenty minutes becomes a penalty lottery. First one side and then the other until on 54 minutes Warlingham make the first move with a rolling attack sucking in the Farnham defence to free the left wing to score wide out.16-17.

Farnham are on the rack playing into an increasingly swirling wind. Penalty conceded and Warlingham go for the corner. Line-out catch and drive - unstoppable. 23-17 with the conversion from wide out.

Back come the home pack as Farnham's hopes of a bonus point begin to disappear. A drive through mid-field again mops up the Farnham defence allowing space wide on the left for a further try.

As the clock runs down temperatures begin to rise. The Warlingham scrum-half, possibly taking advantage of the referee's limited English, has been constantly offering foul-mouthed, obscene advice to all from the onset. This has no place in any sport and is a sad reflection on Warlingham who boast Chris Robshaw the England Captain as their most famous alumni. Something must be done.

The match, still fast and furious, finally sees Warlingham close out the game with a scrum penalty 31-17 and a last minute push over try and conversion. 38-17.

The last score was probably hard on a Farnham side who, despite being disrupted by selection and injury woes, had battled away all afternoon. The game itself and some of the antics and language leave a nasty taste and do nothing for sport and rugby in particular.

Podium Points
Chris Penn - 3 points despite on a losing side controlled things throughout - classy chip for the try of the day
Johnny Davidson - 2 points worked hard in the bear pit and tackled himself out.
Reece de Gruchy - 1 point - everywhere!