FARNHAM, desperate to get their promotion campaign back on track after losing to Tottonians last week, fell victim to Purley John Fisher on their own Wrecclesham bog.
Instead of climbing back above London Irish, Farnham find themselves in fourth placed, having been leapfrogged by Purley.
With six matches remaining, Farnham can afford no more slip-ups, and next week (Feb 8) they have to travel to London Irish.
The absence of Simon Lewis and Ben Read forced Farnham to make changes. Jim Hill was given his first start of the season and Joe Brown came in off the wing to fill the outside-centre role.
As the ball was lofted into the air by Purley's fly-half, Farnham were slow to move themselves around the quagmire, while Purley took to the conditions like a duck takes to water, keeping the ball close to the forwards and doing the basics right.
A poor lineout from Farnham saw the visitors sneak an early try and a 5-0 lead that lasted them all the way until half-time.
Farnham had their moments in the first half, reviving memories of their first 40 minutes against Tottonians. Matt Payne created space for centres Doran and Brown to capitalise on and an immense forward drive saw Graeme Symon get within inches of the line, only to be forced into touch.
But basically Farnham could not get themselves going and Purley grimly held on to their slender lead at the turn-round.
The second half started well for Farnham who encamped in Purley's 22-metre area, only to allow the visitors to clear their lines with a series of unforced errors.
With the game in danger of stagnating, the temperature rose a little. Max Falkiner took a 10-minute rest, while Purley had two men sin-binned in quick succession.
But even with a two-man advantage and a spirited appearance from Adam Christie off the bench, the home side could not capitalise. In fact, they went 8-0 down when Purley kicked a penalty.
The final whistle left Farnham searching for scraps of comfort. True, Purley did not get close to Farnham's line in the second half and a few well-chosen words from captain Payne at the close should inspire Farnham to bounce back this Saturday when they take on bottom side Cranleigh at home. It's another 'must win' and crucial to Farnham's promotion hopes.
Farnham have already proved one major point this season. Better pitches at a new home ground is vital if they are to continue climbing the rugby ladder. The best performances from this side have been on wider, flatter surfaces. The Wrecclesham bog continually drives the performance down. The game plan is open and fast; the pitches are narrow and slow.
However, one thing that will not be driven down is Farnham's team spirit. This could be the driving force in their push for promotion.