Farnham Academy 19pts, Esher 7pts

Farnham Academy, made up of under-17 and under-18 players, overcame senior neighbours Esher in a pulsating fixture at Monkton Lane on Sunday.

A sizeable crowd gathered to enjoy a demonstration of grit, determination and no little skill from the next generation.

Esher enjoyed a stiff breeze at their backs in the first half and kept Farnham pinned in their 22 for much of it.

But a strong defence is a hallmark of the club’s senior game, and the Farnham youngsters ably demonstrated the club’s defensive DNA is clearly in good hands by allowing Esher but one try despite the visitors having 80 per cent of the territory and possession.

Pace out wide is another trait of Farnham senior rugby and, true to form, it was rapier-like breakouts that led to the home side’s three tries.

The win propels the Farnham Academy into the third round of the Harlequins Cup, a knockout competition run across Surrey to establish the region’s best junior sides.