Perfect conditions for the start of the 2022-23 season. Farnham playing in the restructured level 6 of the RFU leagues. Reigatians were always going to be stubborn opposition and so it proved - this was tense from start to finish.

The referee who divided opinion all afternoon with the Black and Whites enjoying much of the whistle and the frustrated Reigatians falling foul with their whole approach to the breakdown and they managed to amass 16 penalties for very similar offences. Temperatures were on the rise.

Farnham started well with a blend of experienced first teamers and the introduction of academy players Finn Anderson and Max Williams and new boys Dan Aldwinckle and Tom Dulage. The fist twenty minutes proved to be a real arm wrestle with Farnham enjoying the bulk of possession and territory. Time and again were thwarted on the gain line or the ORs try line – driven by old hands Jules Joris and Marco Azevado the back five sensed easy pickings – Adams and Anderson backed by Comley, Aldwinckel and the mercurial Vincent made drive after drive at the opposition lines but this Reigatian rearguard held firm.

New tactics and a try - Farnham choosing to scrum on the half way line producing quick ball for Ollie Brown – immediate transfer through a blistering paced run from Ben Jones and on to new skipper Toby Salmon who popped a great pass to new winger Max Williams on the charge – scorched earth and a try out wide. Toby Salmon’s conversion attempt hitting the post 5-0.

As half time approached the game began to breakdown – the constant stream of breakdown and scrum penalties continued and the spectacle suffered. Early season sparing was the theme until a Farnham attack broke down in the ORs five metre area. The ball flipped out and ‘quick as a flash’ the Reigate winger Dom Flynn pounced and hared for the Farnham line some 90 metres away. Everyone in the ground saw try written all over it except fly half Ben Jones who with lung busting pace gradually closed on his prey – Flynn panicked, hesitated and was bundled into touch just seven metres out – a chance wasted.

Back came Reigatians and after a punishing 30 metre driving maul their man of the match Gareth Stephens bounced off two Farnham defenders to score close in – 5-5.

The clock was in the red as Farnham attacked for one last time. Penalty and skipper Toby Salmon took the reward 8-5 and all to play for.

Early season rustiness saw both sides butcher scoring chances in a frenetic first period.

The second half opened with a salvo from the visitors putting their driving maul to good use. The Farnham defence wobbled but held with Herculean tackling efforts from Tim Salmon and wingers Williams and Chalker gradually turning the tide. A breakout and Farnham awarded a penalty. 11-5.

Farnham called on the cavalry with Chapman, Dulage and Michael Salmon on to replace Joris, Anderson and Phillimore. Fresh legs but still the game was fifty fifty. Reigatians drive down the left hand flank but a terrific crash tackle saw Tim Salmon bounce his opposite number – the ball popped free and was swept up by winger Alex Chalker with 90 metres to go. No problems said the scorer. The crowd willing him towards the posts. Easy extras for Toby Salmon 18-5 with breathing space at last as the clock seem to slow down.

The embers of the game saw the Reigatians right winger Coyle slip over out wide and Overtoom converted for a well deserved losing bonus point.

The general consensus was one of rustiness from both sides – for Farnham an opening win so bring on Guildford at Monkton Lane next week.

Podium Points

Sam Woodhams – 3 fronted up to play his first front row game for years. Tremendous effort.
Max Williams - 2 a flying start to his senior career.
Jonny Vincent – 1 Great shift for the full 80.