OLD CRANLEIGHANS 29, FARNHAM 30

IT wasn’t a game for the faint-hearted at Thames Ditton on Saturday as Farnham squeaked through to the national semi-finals of the RFU Senior Vase by a one-point margin against league rivals Old Cranleighans.

In a full-blooded battle between two top sides from London 3SW, Cranleighans missed a late conversion that would have given them victory. It was that close. It was frenetic. It was a great advertisement for Level 8 rugby.

OCs, last season’s Junior Vase winners, are a talented side from 1 to 15. Currently third in the league, ten points adrift of the top two after losing to Eastleigh, they were in no mood to give up their shot at the Senior Vase, especially with a return match against Farnham scheduled for this weekend.

With a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch and some 200 supporters roaring them on, Old Cranleighans drew first blood.

Jordan Frost was stripped of the ball as he smashed his way forward, Cranleighians broke out with excellent support play at pace and hooker Matt Dawes crossed over in the corner, the try converted by Matt Dormon, an outstanding left-wing.

It was a wake-up call for Farnham and they responded in explosive style. Mike Salmon made the initial charge; then express pace by Gabe Hills, a superb gather by Pete Daly, neat chip infield by Dave Hurley, and Toby Salmon scored the try, also converting to level the scores.

Just six minutes had elapsed and the frenetic start continued as a Mike Salmon grubber kick was charged down and after a quick transfer, right-wing Conor Brown dotted down, with Dormon again converting.

Yes, it was end-to-end stuff, but physicality was also a key factor. Farnham decimated the home pack at a scrum and the resulting penalty was easy for Toby Salmon; 14-10.

The lighter OCs pack were in trouble. Again, they were battered at a scrum and Toby Salmon potted another three points.

Niggling injuries were mounting amongst the OC forwards and that was a concern for Farnham. Unopposed scrums was not what they wanted. “Keep them up and in,” was the watchword.

A scrum five metres out and more rich pickings for Farnham. From the base, Daly got the ball to James Corlett who cut back and muscled his way over for a vital try. No conversion, but Farnham led for the first time, 18-14.

For much of the afternoon, however, Farnham’s backs were taking the ball standing still with no impetus and the scavenging home back row were picking off the static attackers.

Out swarmed the marauding OC backs. A penalty was missed, but the threat was real and OCs switched their attack to the right where Farnham’s resources were thin. Full-back Brett Chatwin scored a fine try, Dormon converted, and Cranleighans led 21-18 at half-time. All to play for.

The breeze now gave Farnham a slight advantage, but the pulsating first half had taken its toll and a sluggish, mistake-littered period followed.

The momentum swung towards OCs and after successive line-outs, Dormon slotted a penalty to give his side a six-point cushion.

At that crucial stage, the Farnham pack started to rumble again. Three consecutive penalties and the referee lost patience. Yellow card and OCs down to 14 men.

On the third time of asking, Daly took control of the line-out and Corlett twisted and turned his way over under the posts. Toby Salmon converted and Farnham led 25-24 in the 76th minute, with injuries making the remaining time indeterminate for the tense spectators.

A familiar ploy stretched the advantage. Toby Salmon kicked a penalty to the corner and Daly orchestrated the line-out. OCs held the drive three times before replacement Jemi Akin-Olugbade exploded from the back of the maul to score wide out; 30-24.

Will the home side lie down? Will they, heck. A succession of sweeping attacks sent Chatwin over for his second try.

With the deficit down to 29-30, OCs had a potential match-winning kick, although very difficult for a left-footer from near the right touchline into the breeze. Dormon struck it beautifully, but the wind carried it wide at the last moment, and with it went Cranleighans’ hopes.

Five minutes remained for Farnham to defend their lead and they successfully denied their opponents any meaningful ball. Dan Williams finally slid the ball into touch and a memorable game was over.

Great credit goes to Old Cranleighans who smashed into tackles and launched attack after attack before coming up agonisingly short.

Saturday’s league game should be interesting – kick-off 3pm, again at Thames Ditton.

Farnham Podium Points: James Corlett 3, Andy Naisbitt 2, Daly 1.

* The Senior Vase now moves into the national semi-final stage and Farnham are drawn at home to Saltash, currently third in the Western Tribute Cornwall/Devon league, the match to be played on Saturday, April 15.