Farnham eased into the third round of the Surrey Shield on Sunday with a clear, if not absolutely convincing victory over Raynes Park.
The conditions were ideally suited to a fast, running game. Farnham started brightly and, within five minutes, were in control, following a penalty from Nigel Rooney and a well-constructed and beautifully finished try by stand-in winger, Gavin Baker.
From a central position, Farnham's powerful pack won good ball from a scrum some 25 yards out. After the ball had been recycled, second row Simon France picked up and charged over the gain line and, from the ensuing ruck, Gareth Evans threw a fine pass out left to a sprinting Baker who usually plays second row.
Baker collected the ball 10 yards out and raced in for the score, finishing with a Dallaglioesque dive.
But Farnham's play deteriorated as their early pressure eased and Raynes Park began to take the game to the visitors with some success. The home backs looked dangerous and thrived in the open space allowed them by some lethargic defence.
After a strong drive through the forwards, Raynes Park kicked a penalty, forcing Farnham into a better period of play, during which Rooney slotted over another penalty to make it 11-3 at the interval.
The second half continued in the same scrappy vein. Farnham were never under serious pressure, but struggled to put the game beyond the home side.
An outstanding try from Andy Rigg proved to be the highlight of the cup-tie. The forwards won ball on the left and Evans swung it right, through the hands of Rooney to Rigg.
Still 40 yards out, Rigg chipped over the heads of the advancing Raynes Park back line, ran on to collect the kick, after a very kind bounce, and raced in to score.
Rooney kicked another penalty and the final score also went to the Farnham backs, with skipper Richard Doran charging through two challenges to score under the posts, despite a 'double movement' claim from the home side.
Rooney added the two points to give Farnham a rather flattering margin of victory.
However, Farnham march on towards a possible league and cup double in good order. Ironically, these were the playing conditions that Farnham have been awaiting all season, but three months of muddy, wet pitches has lefts its mark on their style.
Farnham will meet Surrey 3 side Old Abingdonians in the next round.
Farnham: Van Dongen, Christie, Mortimore, France, Baker, Holwill, Thompson, Ogram, Evans, Rooney, Mitchell, Doran, Rigg, Heath, Lewis. Subs: Jarrett, Payne, Falkiner.