Farnham v Old Reigatian this Saturday was a replay of the October match which Farnham won 32-8. On that day, Farnham lost their front row to injury and on such occasions the game goes to unopposed scrums. In doing so Farnham should have forfeited a player. Both Farnham and the referee were unaware of this regulation and continued the game with fifteen on the field. The OR coach vociferously complained and eventually Farnham were told to accept the replay or forfeit the five points.
Roll the calendar forward five months and the elephant in the room was about to be exorcised. The RFU sensing the importance of getting it right, allocated a level 6 referee for the game. He enjoyed a no nonsense, clear approach to the afternoon’s proceedings and left nothing to doubt.
The game got under way with Farnham playing into the blustery wind. Both sides are in the school of fast, open, close support rugby where pace, fitness and ball handling are of the essence. Farnham ran their usual exit strategy from the kick-off. Michael Salmon, safe under the swirling ball, launched himself at the follow up runners. The ball rapidly recycled and Farnham were on the move through Harry West and Toby Salmon. Yards made up the middle by James Corlett on the charge. His pass hit Reece Stennett at pace and he was over in the corner. This was exactly the dynamic start needed by the Black and Whites. The conversion attempt went just wide.
Back came Reigatians with their fast, supporting off load game which is great to watch but hard work to defend against. Farnham’s defence got stretched and fast hands put OR winger Sam Turner over for the equaliser. Minutes played and the score was 5-5. This was promising to be a humdinger.
Back came Farnham who made inroads through the back row carriers Rob Mitchell and Ben Adams. A superb looped pass freed the flying Stennett to sail round the defence and under the posts. Easy for Toby Salmon 12-5.
Farnham’s lineout continues to be a ‘work in progress’ and the blustery win didn’t help. Two close-in catch and drive opportunities were squandered but on the third attempt, success. Quick ball off the top of the line out freed up Toby Comley to go over out wide. 17-5 with the conversion shaving the post.
Despite heavy OR pressure, Farnham warmed to the task. Full back Jack Scullion launched his huge clearance kicks and chasers Dan Northwood and Stennett got in amongst the spoils. One such attack saw Dan Northwood spot the twinkling feet of Toby Salmon who squirmed in under the posts. 24-5 and a bonus point already secure.
Relaxing as the clock ran down to half time proved to be Farnham’s undoing. An over-ambitious off load inside their own 22 and Reigatians steal the ball. They required no second offer and put Talbot over for the score with Hogg completing the conversion. Back in the game at 24-12 on half time.
Farnham now had the breeze at their backs. The first half contest had been relatively close with sparring at the break down and line breaks from both sides. It was engrossing as both XVs possessed the perfect blend of big, fast packs and inventive, quick three quarters. In an encounter this close whoever opened the scoring in the second period was likely to gain control. Who supplied? That man Toby Salmon who latched on to a thunderous charge from the second rows Ian Williams and Steve Simmons and, from halfway, completely outwitted and outpaced the visitors’ defence. It was a wonderful individual try capped by his own conversion. 31-12 and daylight between the teams.
The Farnham coaches emptied the bench with Mike Mizzi on for Williams, Ben Brown for Naisbitt and Ben Jones for Corlett. The pace does not relent with some outrageous attacks from OR inspired by their fly half Hogg and full back Alex Forsyth. The backs from both sides stole the day particularly Hogg for the visitors and Toby Salmon for Farnham – both so classy.
Not to be outdone, elder brother Michael Salmon sprinted on to a breakout from brother Toby and Jack Scullion to slide over untouched. With the conversion the lead stretched out to 38-12.
Old Reigatian do not lie down and time and again they broke out into the Farnham half. One attack was beaten back by a bone crunching tackle from man of the match Reece Stennett. As the clock ran down, OR launched a final attack to put winger Coyle over and with the conversion wide the referee, who enjoyed a fine game, brought the proceedings to a close. A satisfying win for Farnham 38-17 after the unedifying spectacle of the previous game. In short rugby was the winner.
President’s Podium, Reece Stennett two tries and that tackle – 3, Toby Salmon - 2 at his brilliant best, Toby Comley - 1 all day predator