On Saturday, Farnham made the long trip around the M25 to Lewisham to take on Old Colfeians in the Regional Semi Final of the Intermediate Cup. Old Colfeians’s sit second in London 2 South East and like Eastleigh and Winchester have a huge pack with four forwards over 6’4” and 18 stone. At times, it looked like men against boys but Farnham showed immense character and tackled themselves into the ground.
The stats you get on TV such as comparative pack weights would have made interesting reading for this game. The exact weight disparity between the two packs will never be revealed but the smart money was on at least 100kg throughout and rising to as much as 150kg as substitutions were made. Andrew Mortimore, Farnham's Chair of Senior Rugby and self-appointed custodian of the dark arts of scrummaging was quietly impressed by Old Colfeians "old school" approach to selection. There were sore shoulders and squashed vertebrae for Farnham players who played their hearts out and were in the game all the way to the final whistle.
The final score of 13-6 to Colfe’s was probably a true reflection of the game but, for territory and effort, this was Farnham’s day. With six of the squad rested, the club’s depth of talent was to be tested. A sizeable contingent of the Farnham Faithful looked on with anticipation. As the game evolved, they were rewarded and pride levels increased as the reshaped team offered more and more to the Black and White cause. This was a brave and committed performance across the team.
Connor Haynes and Jordan Frost in the front five really came of age against the rampaging pachyderms from the Colfe’s pack. First up and gang tackling was the order of the day. Andy Kidd, Sam Woodhams and Mike Mizzi in the back row were tireless. Man of the match, the diminutive Harry West at scrum half orchestrated both attack and defence.
The back division, shepherded by Andrew Freshwater at fly half, completed the Farnham wall with its ‘they shall not pass’ mentality. James Corlett and Mike Salmon were in their usual roles at centre backed by a back three of Reece Stennett, Ben Jones and the increasingly impressive Stan Marisa. Praise for their efforts could not be higher.
For Farnham, the start could not have been worse. Colfe’s attack down their right wing and find touch ten metres out to set up the rolling maul. Held, the ball went to ground and allowed an unstoppable pick and drive setting up Colfe’s No 4 Freddie Humphreys to barge over. An easy conversion and it was 7-0 after two minutes and the Farnham Faithful were concerned.
They need not have worried as there followed a tremendous display of attack, sheer bloody-minded defence and counter attack. Time and time again Farnham battled into the home half only to be met by Colfe’s big wall. Something had to give. Sean Parkinson, Colfe’s openside, was penalised for not rolling away and Michael Salmon chose to go for the forty-five-metre long shot. The howitzer did not miss 7-3.
Farnham were on the up and Colfe’s perplexed. Normally sides under this sort of pressure fold. Back came the Black and Whites. A sniping run from West followed by quick ball gave Andrew Freshwater the space to take a shot at a drop goal. Success and it was 7-6! The home supporters voiced their frustration that their gigantic pack was simply not getting their own way - but they were inflicting damage and Tom Cerullo had to come on for an injured Corlett as half time approached.
The huge difference in playing tactics from both sides seemed to cancel each other out. Nevertheless, it was a compelling contest. The seemingly unstoppable Colfe’s giants powered up the middle to be floored by their much smaller opponents who themselves attacked at pace through and around the huge home rear-guard. It was relentless and attritional.
Colfe’s half time chat and changes dictated the gloves were about to come off as two immense game changers Bamidele Agorioge and Estefan Ellis rumbled on to the pitch. The game was up for the Farnham front row of Azevado, Brown and Simmons and the rest of the Farnham pack. In brave retreat, the visitors played almost the entire second half on the back foot. The referee was lenient and gave no cards as the Farnham pack crumbled at the set piece. This allowed the Farnham eight to tackle around the fringes and tackle they did. The entire squad was needed. Gareth Yeomans on for Haynes, Alex Chalker for Freshwater and Charlie Dransfield for Woodhams. The game changers did their bit. Dransfield, enjoying a tremendous debut, was all over the opposition with Yeomans adding his not inconsiderable weight.
Two successive Farnham attacks were hauled down inches short of the line. These were the last chances as the Colfe’s heavies rumbled into the Farnham 22. Penalty and three points 10-6 with five minutes on the clock. From the kick-off another penalty is awarded five yards inside the Colfe’s half. Up steps Colfe’s kicker to nail a colossal 55-yard kick. Rough justice for Farnham. 13-6 the final score.
Presidents Podium, Herculean efforts from Charlie Dransfield, Michael Mizzi and Andy Kidd but points to: Harry West - 3 stunning all round performance, Jordan Frost - 2 at last all that potential coming out, Ben Jones - 1 class act throughout.

Next Saturday its back to league action as Farnham entertain Old Tonbridgians at Monkton Lane. KO 2.30pm.