The bonus point kings strike again.

Farnham welcomed local rivals Guildford to Monkton Lane for the penultimate home game of the season. Farnham handed a first 1st XV start to academy graduate Jeff Leybourne while welcoming back Mike Salmon into the centres to add a balance of experience. The backline was made up of the exciting three of Simmons, Scullion and Max Williams.
Farnham kicked off with the breeze behind them and started the game well. An early defensive set put pressure on Guildford who failed to clear their lines and gave Farnham a lineout 10 meters out. The attack was patient, moving Guildford side to side but the well drilled Guildford defence held firm up to the point they conceded a penalty in front of their posts. Farnham took the opportunity to open the scoring with Toby Salmon kicking over for the first 3 points. 3-0.
The siege gun boot of Jack Scullion gave Farnham great territory with most of his touch-finders gaining some 50 meters. Guildford were winning the set piece battle with their scrum and rolling maul proving very effective. Farnham had the ball in the Guildford 22 when a turnover allowed Guildford to break out through their backs. The Farnham’s scramble defence was excellent but not good enough to stop the ball from being recycled and moved wide to the left where the full back scored the first try. Conversion missed, 3-5.
Both defences proved hard to breakdown. Guildford thought they had scored their 2nd try however Jack Scullion managed to tackle the player into touch before getting the ball down. Half time followed shortly with all still to play for in the second period. 3-5.
Guildford kicked off the second half with Farnham eager to play a more expansive game in the next 40 minutes. A kick to the corner presented the home side’s first opportunity but a knock on at the maul halted the momentum. Guildford made them pay with a maul of their own sucking the Farnham players in before moving to ball wide to score their secong try. Conversion successful, 3-12.
Farnham’s efforts to get back in the game was led by numerous carries from forwards Jonny Vincent and Jemi Akin-Olugbade. George Bellamy came on for his 1st XV debut with Callum Jones and Sam Woodhams also coming on for an impact. Guildford scored their next try with from a rolling maul with 15 minutes to go. The conversion was missed, 3-19 but the visitors now had some breathing room.
However, Farnham did not give up. The ball was moved wide where Max Williams brilliantly finished off in the corner to give Farnham a chance. Conversion successful, 10-19 with 8 minutes to play. Guildford responded almost immediately with another rolling maul score which gave them a bonus point try. Conversion missed, 10-24.
Farnham refused to lie down and again moved the ball to the left through Toby Salmon and Reece Stennett who released Max Williams who again finished brilliantly and ran the ball under the posts for his second score and the Black and White’s treasured losing bonus point. Conversion successful, 17-24 with two minutes to play.
The Faithful urged Farnham on sensing a remarkable comeback. Attacking from their own 22, Mike Salmon broke the line and produced a great offload to find Toby Simmons who stormed into the Guildford 22. Sadly, his final offload didn’t find a Farnham hand and the ball was turned over. Guildford managed the last moments of the game and hoofed the ball off the park to signal full time. 17-24.

A spirited effort from Farnham who didn’t give up and came away with another precious bonus point. A long away trip to Salisbury next week for Farnham in the penultimate game of the season.
President’s Podium voted for by the team: 3- Max Williams, 2- Jack Scullion, 1- Mike Salmon