Richmond pretty well ensured promotion with a hard-earned victory at Wrecclesham on Saturday.

But Farnham were much improved on the earlier league meeting, when they conceded 50 points to this formidable side.

"The score was not a true reflection on how well we played," said coach Norman Gray. "Richmond deserve to be top and they will be promoted, but there were plenty of positives for us."

However, the coach issued a stark warning. "Richmond are very fit. We think we're fit, but they showed the level we've got to get to."

Farnham, missing some key players, dug deep. Ed Walters had a tremendous game at scrum-half and another hero was Campbell Thompson, normally a flanker, who filled in at wing and found himself up against probably the fastest man in the division.

On the usual diffficult, boggy Wrecclesham pitch, the visitors soon learned to kick long and 'Tiffer' Woods opened the scoring, putting the final touch to a breakaway by Ross Evans. Jim Samuel converted.

Andy Cuthbert was denied a try because the referee was unsighted, but Dom Little was able to touch down to official satisfaction. A Samuel penalty gave the visitors a 15-0 lead at half-time.

To the delight of their many supporters, the home side now began to drive Richmond back with a series of rolling mauls, and their pressure was rewarded when fly-half Simon Lewis kicked a penalty goal from 30 metres.

Farnham could have closed the gap further by kicking penalties, but they boldly opted to go for pushover tries.

Three times, Farnham had scrums five metres out and three times Richmond held firm. Play was in progress, but nothing moved and there was an eerie stillness before the ball squirted out. Woods half cleared and Farnham's brave challenged faded.

Richmond slowly took charge again. The persevering Evans made a half break and the ball was spread wide to McSweeney whose flick-up was grasped by lock Mike Hull to crash over.

McSweeney himself, having found firmer ground, scored twice towards the end, the first following an inch-perfect chip ahead by Whiteley and the second after taking a wide pass from Ollie Quigley to outflank the defence.

Farnham deserved their ovation and they will hope to reward their followers with a win this Saturday when they entertain bottom side Warlingham (ko 3 pm).