Farnham overcome a determined Salisbury side

Farnham travelled to Salisbury for the penultimate game of the league season. Although Farnham won the reverse fixture convincingly, Salisbury were fired up having to win well to stay to avoid relegation. Farnham handed a debut to Academy graduate Jake Harris at scrum half while the experienced Ben Adams returned to 1st XV duty to bolstering the side at Number 8.
Salisbury kicked off and looked to take advantage of the strong breeze behind them. Their first attacked was thwarted by a thunderous tackle from Josh Watson to force a knock on. However they opened the scoring moments later with an easy penalty to make the score 3-0.
Farnham needed to get their hands on the ball and get into the game. The strong breeze made the lineout difficult but Jonny Vincent and Jemi Akin-Olugbade cleaned up any scraps and kept Farnham moving forward. Penalties cost Farnham field position. After another penalty ten metres out, Salisbury took a quick tap and bundled over in the corner for the first try of the game. Conversion missed, 8-0.
Farnham reacted almost immediately winning a breakdown penalty that allowed a kick to the corner. The initial drive was halted, however Jonny Vincent broke away and beat two defenders to power over for Farnham’s first score. Conversion successful, 8-7.
The momentum had shifted. Farnham enjoyed long spells in the Salisbury 22 but couldn’t find the finishing touch. Salisbury’s aggressive defence twice held up Farnham over the line. A yellow card for the Salisbury 12 reduced them to 14 men on half time.
Farnham kicked off with the breeze behind them and looked to pin Salisbury in their half. A lineout 10 meters out gave Farnham a great opportunity that was well taken. Max Williams ran a brilliant line off Jake Harris and sped under the posts to score Farnham’s 2nd try. Conversion successful, 8-14.
Salisbury quickly responded with an easy three points to keep the score close at 11-14. Farnham’s bench was then called upon with good impact from prop Marco Azevedo and Jack Haylett in the row adding necessary energy. Michael Bates came on in the backs for Archie Healy. Jack Buxton and Fin Basil were effective in the loose while the kicks from brothers Toby and Mike Salmon found good territory.
The next score came from a loose play from Salisbury. A knock on fell into the hands of Callum Jones who found Max Williams who sprinted in from 60 meters to give Farnham some breathing room. Conversion successful, 11-21.
Salisbury refused to lie down and almost broke down a resolute Farnham defence. Unfortunately for them, they knocked on just before the line and that saw the chance went a begging.
Farnham were now managing the game well and were eager to find the try bonus point. With just a minute left to play, Farnham forwards and backs interlinked well with the ball moved wide to the left. Stopped five metres short, Toby Salmon shipped the ball wide to Jonny Vincent but the final pass didn’t quite go to hand. Salisbury kept playing and tried to run it out from their own line, only for Jack Haylett to steal the ball at the breakdown. The ball was recycled out to the left where Max Williams was on hand to finish well in the corner and complete his hattrick. The successful conversion was the last act of the game. Final score 11-28.
A much needed win on the road for Farnham and only their second of the season. Salisbury is a proud, vibrant and very hospitable club that is sure to rebound. A week off for Easter awaits before Farnham’s final league game at home against London Irish Wild Geese. Kick off 3.00pm.
Presidents Podium voted for by the players: 3- Max Williams, 2- Josh Watson, 1- Marco Azevedo