FARNHAM 41, BATTERSEA IRONSIDES 24

BATTERSEA Ironsides were not fourth in the league by accident and this was a notable success for Farnham who finish fifth in the London 3 SW table, just three points behind the London side.

The Irons are renowned for their uncompromising forwards and adventurous backs and Farnham were determined to match them in both departments on a chilly, breezy day at Monkton Lane.

Two brutal scrums launched the contest, with honours shared. Farnham drew first blood when Elliot Rich broke the defence to feed Toby Salmon who scored wide out.

Back come Battersea with a huge penalty kick into the Farnham 22 after an infringement at the breakdown. Farnham’s tactics at the ruck were further punished and Ben Mott kicked an easy three points.

Farnham erred again and another wind-assisted penalty sailed into the home 22, the result being a catch-and-drive from the lineout and a try for Kirwan; 8-5 to the visitors.

It was punch and counter-punch, however. Ed Weeks showed his pace to score in the corner, but, at the other end, lock Conor Gaul was stopped illegally and Mott slotted the penalty to make it 11-10.

Toby Salmon found the smallest of gaps to restore Farnham’s lead, leaving a simple conversion for brother Mike, but there was still time for Mott to ease over another penalty and send Battersea in at the break 17-14 in front.

It was a slender lead after having the wind advantage and Farnham stormed out of the blocks for the second half.

Soon, the Williams duo drove through the centre and, via Jonny Davidson and Ollie Brown, the ball arrived with Mike Salmon whose try gave Farnham a lead they were never to surrender.

A wayward pass gave Weeks the chance to complete his brace and then Rich glided over under the posts, with Mike Salmon adding the extras (34-14).

After the flat affairs of the previous two weeks, Farnham were enjoying their final run-out of the season. Toby Comley followed up his own kick through, recovered the bouncing ball and romped over unopposed, Salmon’s boot extending the lead to 41-14.

Irons were not done yet, though, and battled back with two late tries. Full-back Breen and winger Williams combined for the first and then No 8 O’Keefe dived over to give the final score some respectability.

Farnham’s podium points: Toby Salmon 3, Rich 2, Meager 1.

* The annual Farnham Sevens takes place at Monkton Lane this Saturday. In addition to the usual social teams of players young and old, the main competition will feature some impressive sides, including a Fijian outfit who use the competition to warm up before the sevens circuit starts in earnest.

This latest Olympic sport always provides rich entertainment. Matches start at noon and the action lasts all afternoon. Spectators are welcome.