At last blue skies and a drying pitch greeted players for Farnham’s league fixture against Twickenham RFC at Wilkinson Way. A firmer surface than in recent weeks gave Farnham the chance to play the open game in which they excel, and they made the most of it.
Due to injury, Farnham had once again to dip into its strong player base and call up Pete Simmons in the row, Mike Mizzi on the flank and Stan Marisa at wing with Dec Kavanagh starting at centre for the injured talisman Mike Salmon. The bench also saw the welcome return of utility forward Jonny Davidson after several weeks away.
Both sides opted for running rugby from the kick-off, however Farnham were first to cross the line. A penalty kick to the corner and quick ball from the line-out saw James Corlett crash through near the posts. Toby Salmon converted and soon after added a penalty from 30m out won by a dominant scrum. Although the Farnham scrum was smaller, it worked much better as a scrummaging unit. Soon after, this platform allowed No 8 Liam Welch to drive from the base and release Corlett for his second. Salmon with the extras and it was 17-0 after just 20 minutes.
Play swung back and forth but Farnham always seemed in control. Ben Jones launched a penalty kick to the corner and from the catch and drive, Marco Azevedo crashed through. Salmon again added extras. 24-0
Although down by over 20 points in almost as many minutes, Twickenham fought back and took play back to Farnham line. 10 metres out and a wide pass was thrown for an overlap. Surely their first points? No! There’s the Farnham scrum half and captain, Ollie Brown to intercept and run the length of the pitch to score the try converted by Salmon. 31-0
However, on 31 mins the visitors had something to cheer about. A Farnham defensive kick was charged down and the Twickenham winger Stock touched down in the corner. 31-5.
Happily for the home crowd, Farnham were soon back down the other end with Jones and Comley adding tries. The halftime score was 41-5 - over a point a minute for the home side - and possibly some more points could have been scored had some of the three-quarter play not been so adventurous. Indeed, many in the crowd felt the game was not as one sided as the score line suggested.
However, a few minutes into the second half and Farnham were over again. This time the charging Welch went over after a Corlett break and some smooth handling through the team. Salmon again added the 2. 48-5
A combination of injuries to both sides and maybe another collective relax by the home side quietened play for the next 25 mins. With the physios back and forth and replacements taking the pitch for both teams, the play swung between both ends with neither side able to make the scoring blow.
Finally, Farnham got back in control and again built pressure. Salmon jinked through to the line, and then added the conversion. 55-5. A few minutes later, Liam Welch broke from another scrum near the Twickenham line and offloaded to his new back row partner Mizzi dabs down for his first 1XV try. Again Salmon kicked with the extras and it was 62-5 with four minutes to play.
To their immense credit, Twickenham fought back keeping the Farnham defence on their toes. Down by over 50 points but no surrender! However, in the final play of the game, Farnham break out from the halfway line and free winger Marissa to scamper over in the corner. Final score 67-5.
Presidents Podium: Ben Adams - 3 points - hard work all over the pitch and engine room graft.
James Corlett - 2 points - 2 tries, stout defence and leadership of the backs.
Ben Jones - 1 point - great counter attacking.