Farnham enjoyed domination at either end of a fast and bruising encounter on a warm late summer’s day at Watchetts Lane, the home of Camberley Rugby,
Farnham flew into action from the whistle quieting the Camberley crowd who had enjoyed their President’s pre-match lunch. Farnham took the game to the home side for the first ten minutes with multiphase rugby spearheaded by skipper Oli Brown, the barnstorming Michael Salmon and a rejuvenated Pete Daly. Phase after phase stretched the home defence. Much of the effort was absorbed by a spiky, aggressive Camberley rear-guard but a reward was due and it came through another attack after quick hands released winger Reece Stennett. He was held on the ground after a tackle and the penalty awarded to Farnham – an easy three for Toby Salmon.
Farnham could be pleased with their opening salvo after ten minutes in the Camberley half but ominous signs began to appear. The line out simply did not function and, after early success, the set scrum started to creak. A wayward line out throw by Farnham saw the home backs snaffle the loose ball and launch a blistering breakout culminating in a try out wide finished by winger Josh Wight. The conversion by fly half Matt Smart, who was impressive throughout, gave Camberley the lead.
During the next twenty minutes Camberley ramped up the tempo of the game. Much of their thrust came from their second row giant Sammit and the driving power of centre Josh Lewanitua. Farnham’s defence required a brutal team effort with Alex Chalker, Toby Salmon and brother Michael all putting their bodies on the line. This is a united Farnham squad and to a man they harried, chased and tackled but the consistent pressure began to tell. A series of drives took the home pack into the visitors 22 resulting in a classic forwards try. Easy pickings for Smart. 14-3.
Still the visitors could not resolve their line out problems and, with the scrum under pressure - that vital commodity – quick ball was non-existent. Camberley capitalised and Smart sent the visitors into the break with another penalty. 17-3.
Farnham had to come out of the blocks to get back into the game but it was not to be. Sheer effort and tenacity alone will not win rugby matches. Camberley increased the pace. Another wayward line out and the all-important first score of the second period went to the home side. Rough justice as it was scored after Farnham had demolished the Camberley scrum under their own posts. Perhaps a missed penalty? The home side managed to rescue the ball and a full speed 100 metre breakout saw winger Wiltshire score out wide on the left wing. 22-5.
Coach Ali Chisholm rang the changes. On came Tim Salmon, an historic moment for mum Fiona as all three of her sons were now on the pitch – Michael, Toby and Tim. What a credit to the Club they are. Despite the changes Camberley were still rampant and ran in two more tries to stretch away to a 36-3 winning margin.
The last ten minutes, as last week against Cobham, however, were all Farnham’s. At last a line out was secured and a galloping Pete Daly raced to the line but the pop pass to Comley was deemed forward to disappoint the travelling Farnham Faithfull.
Undeterred, the Black and Whites came back and a typical Toby Salmon burst freed up Toby Comley to touch down by the corner flag. 36-8. With the clock running down Farnham scored the ‘try of the game’ with a Toby Salmon off load to brother Tim whose try under the posts set up an easy final kick for Toby the younger. Final score 36-15.
Camberley deserved the win. they were totally dominant during the middle 60 minutes, with poor line out performance and a creaking set piece adding to the visitors travails. While the Farnham boys never gave in, there is much for the coaching team to ponder ahead of the visit to Monkton Lane of old rivals KCS Old Boys next Saturday.