Farnham welcomed Andover to Monkton lane for round 9 of the 24/25 season. A couple of changes in the Farnham lineup due to availability saw Greg Franzell return in the front row and Joe Brockman in the backline. Farnham kicked off with a slight breeze behind on a dry with decent ground underfoot.



Some good early interplay between backs and forwards got Farnham into the Andover 22 with the ball being quickly recycled and Greg Franzel ran a lovely line and stormed in from 20 yards out for the first try. Conversion successful from skipper Salmon. However, if it appeared this was to be the first of many, Andover said, “hold my beer” and responded with a fine individual score from their scrum half, who beat several defenders for a great try. Conversion missed, 7-5, game on. 



The home side replied with potent attacks and looked confident with ball in hand. A penalty kick to the corner and Farnham smelt blood, despite the best efforts from the powerful Andover pack, the rolling maul was well executed and Jonny Vincent dived over, extras for Salmon, 14-5 with 15 minutes gone. Farnham’s structure was almost impeccable throughout and gaps were appearing with Andover having to make tackle after tackle and beginning to tire, man of match Joe Brockman, who enjoyed a stellar afternoon broke through and released Jonny Vincent who stepped the covering defence to score under the posts, simple 2 added by the favourite, Farnham on the charge. 



In contrast, Andover’s attack seemed more one-dimensional; with one-off runners and little creation beyond “hands” which ultimately fizzled out with a knock-on or breakdown turnover to Farnham. Academy graduate and loose-forward Benjy Biggs showed his fine skill, dynamism and the confidence of youth to beat two defenders and then release Joe Wigmore with a sumptuous “back door” offload with the winger showing far too much pace to coast in untouched. Bonus point try in the bag and conversion successful, 28-5 and to Andover’s relief, the half time whistle blew.



Farnham started the second half well with the attack in full flow. Dominant carries and well executed shape kept them moving forward before the ball was moved wide. Back and forwards in sync and linking up seamlessly to the delight of coach Ali Chisholm. That man again, Brockman was on hand to finish a well-constructed team try in the corner and his first Farnham senior try. Conversion missed out wide much to the disappointment of the crowd as it ruined Salmon’s perfect kicking record at home this season.



Despite being defensively exposed on regular occasions, Andover’s scrum was a real force throughout the game and again pushed Farnham back on their own put in, but the backline was still able to execute a well-orchestrated move with Wigmore again racing down the left hand side, gliding past would-be defenders like a cross-country skier. Fellow speedster Toby Simmons, now on the field, supported superbly and had too much for the covering defence to whizz round and dot down under the posts. Conversion successful. An all too familiar story for Andover.



Andover did their best to thwart attack after attack, but Farnham’s fitness and patience was telling, multiple phases, moving the tiring defence across the park, until the opportune moment presented itself. The effervescent Ben Stevens fizzed a lovely wide pass to Toby Simmons at pace who broke through and despite the outstanding tap-tackle from Andover clipping Simmon’s ankles, he managed to recover and dive over for his second score and Farnham’s 8th. Another successful conversion from Salmon and the final nail in the coffin. Final score 47-5.



A dominant display and comfortable bonus point win for Farnham who scored some classy tries, exemplified their structure, fitness, and quality for the home support to marvel at once again. A spirited Andover side with an excellent scrum could just not keep up, ran out of ideas in attack and will need to address their defensive organisation and one-up tackles.

The league takes a break this week so everyone can watch England (hopefully) get their solitary Autumn series win against Japan.

The following week Farnham are hosting league-leaders Old Tottonians, which is set to be a mouth-watering top of the table clash on the November 30th, one not to be missed.



Presidents podium

3- Joe Brockman
2- Jonny Vincent
1- Toby Simmons