FARNHAM 18, TIFFINIANS 18

COMING after Farnham’s ten-try demolition of Trojans in their last game, this was real end-of-season fare as Old Tiffinians escaped from Monkton Lane with a draw.

The East Molesey side needed the points to ensure their survival in London 3 SW, while Farnham, for the first time in 11 years, were neither in the promotion race or in danger of demotion.

In short, they had nothing to play for and it showed in their somewhat lacklustre display and the sheepish faces in the changing-rooms afterward. Only in the last 20 minutes did Farnham raise their game to tie the match at 18 points apiece.

Tiffinians were a well-organised and fit outfit. Fly-half Ben Mellett and inside-centre Tim Fawcett gave them pace in the backs, while Mallik and Alex Cassidy provided the power up front.

Farnham started brightly enough, but a pattern soon developed where individual forays and attacks were quickly snuffed out and turnovers at the breakdown began to mount.

With Mallik in over the ball, followed by fast hands, Fawcett went over in the corner for the opening try. No extras in the blustery wind.

Farnham persisted with their sevens-type rugby and increasingly the attackers became isolated. Frustrating for both players and spectators.

At last came a passage of play when Farnham kept the ball. Ben Adams won it on the ground, on to Will Markham and scrum-half Oli Brown released Luke Jermyn for the equalising try: 5-5.

Farnham were shaking off their lethargy and with Fran Meagher and James Trodden driving through the defence, the ball popped up to Toby Comley who, after a delightful chip and scoop, slid over in the corner to put Farnham in front.

But the home side promptly reverted to their earlier shapeless play and another turnover bore fruit for Tiffinians with a repeat try for Fawcett out wide. Again no conversion and it was 10-10.

The sides were at least playing at a high tempo, aided by the no-nonsense Yorkshire exchange referee. The turnovers mounted, with penalties equally shared and all missed until just before the break when Farnham infringed at the ruck and Tiffinians took a 13-10 lead into the second half.

With the wind now in their favour, Farnham should have gone on to win and the early signs were promising as Mike Salmon’s clever ‘dink’ was chased down by James Corlett and Ed Weeks. The resulting lineout was won by Toby Comley, only for Tiffinians to turn the ball over yet again. Mellett cleared their lines, launching a series of attacks.

A high tackle by Ian Williams was adjudged dangerous – yellow card, penalty and the visitors were unstoppable from the following lineout catch- and-drive. Defeat was staring Farnham in the face at 10-18.

The fast, error-laden rugby continued, with both sides probing for an opening. At last, Farnham secured the ball for a sustained attack. A penalty, a five-metre scrum and a series of pick-and-drives netted them three points and now Andy Naisbitt and Lenny Jennings were tightening the drive in the set scrums.

Another pick-and-drive saw an NFL type launch from No 8 Will Markham and Farnham were level at 18-18, with Mike Salmon missing the conversion.

It was all attack and counter-attack in the final ten minutes, with Farnham shading the territory. Another Salmon penalty attempt slid wide.

Back came Farnham with another penalty, but Salmon’s usually reliable boot let him down again in the teasing wind.

And so the sides settled for two points apiece – probably the right outcome.

Farnham’s podium points: Will Markham 3, Ben Adams 2, Toby Salmon 1.

* Farnham are next in action on April 16 when they travel to Old Mid-Whitgiftians for their penultimate league match.