FARNHAM’s promotion was confirmed in bloodless fashion last weekend.

Scheduled visitors Weybridge Vandals were unable to field a front row and conceded the game to the leaders, with Farnham’s Senior Vase commitments preventing the game being rearranged.

The five points means that Farnham are one of the two teams promoted to London 2 South-West.

Third-placed Old Cranleighans reached 69 points with their bonus-point win over US Portsmouth and, with only 15 more points available, are unable to overhaul Farnham’s total of 88.

Despite losing 13-14 at home to Battersea, second-placed Eastleigh, on 79 points, can still pip Farnham for the league title.

And Farnham have a tricky run-in, with a match at Old Cranleighans on March 25 and a home meeting with Battersea on April 1 before a trip to fourth-placed Basingstoke to close their campaign on April 8.

This Saturday, Old Cranleighans and Farnham have a dress-rehearsal for the league clash when they meet in the final of the London & SE Senior Vase (ko 3pm in Thames Ditton). The winners progress to the national rounds.

Farnham captain Mike Salmon said: “We’ve had probably our best season ever. We are only three points away from scoring 1000 points in league and cup competition. That is a phenomenal achievement for any club at any level.

“We have great set of pacey and talented backs – and I have to include my younger brother in that – and a big, strong pack that consistently wins good ball to put us on the front foot.

“But more importantly, we are a team that defends as a team and scores team tries. That every regular first-team player has scored at least one try this season is the proof.”

Farnham’s success is based on strength in depth. The 1st XV has fielded 30 different players this season and the club’s junior section has played its part. No less than five players selected for this season’s 1st XV were playing academy rugby last year. The second team are currently mid-table in a highly competitive Surrey 2nd XV Championship and on Saturday went down fighting, 8-26, to a powerful Camberley side.

A large crowd watched the game, the numbers swelled to over 200 ahead of England’s match against Scotland.

Farnham RUFC alumnus Ryan Wilson, Scotland’s No 8, gave the ‘home’ crowd little to cheer, but all hope that following the bang to the head he received, he will be passed fit to challenge the great Sergio Parisse in this Saturday’s match against Italy at Murrayfield.