TEDDINGTON 30, FARNHAM 23

FARNHAM, after last week’s walkover win, found themselves outfought by fellow top-five side Teddington last Saturday.

On the first wintry day of the season, Teddington scrapped and scrambled for every loose ball and made their own luck.

The home side had to fight because Farnham were unrecognisable from the lacklustre outfit who lost to Tonbridgians two weeks ago.

A bold attacking start augured well. A flowing attack over numerous phases saw No 8 Dan Williams crash over for the opening try after just four minutes.

Skipper Mike Salmon pushed his conversion just wide in the blustery wind, but Farnham were soon driving for the line again. A desperate tackle stopped fly-half Toby Salmon in his tracks and a twisted ankle ended his game. Brother Mike slotted over the resulting penalty and the visitors led 8-0.

After 11 minutes, Teddington had barely touched the ball, but they were not third in the league for nothing and the response came as they drove through some flimsy Farnham defence and inside-centre Jack Arundel scored by the posts, leaving an easy conversion for Josh Penberthy.

With the chilly wind at their backs, Farnham needed to build a decent lead and the front row of Andy Naisbitt, Lenny Jennings and Jules Joris started to turn the screw at the scrum. And with Ben Adams and Fran Meagher – on for the injured Salmon in a reshuffled pack – winning plenty of lineout ball, the signs were good.

Salmon Snr drilled a 40-yard penalty to the corner and after a great catch off the top by the rangy Adams, the pack drove for the line. That man Dan Williams was again in control and drove over for his second try. Conversion missed and Farnham led 13-7.

After these frenetic exchanges, the home backs began to take the ball on at speed and Farnham had to defend well against a series of breakouts.

The pressure was beginning to tell and when Meagher was adjudged to have tackled high, full-back Penberthy kicked the penalty and the lead was cut to three points.

Crucially, with half-time approaching, the Antlers snatched the lead. A delightful crossfield kick sat up for winger Eliot Fraser who romped over under the posts. Penberthy converted and Teddington went in with a 17-13 lead.

It was particularly frustrating for Farnham who had spent most of the half in enemy territory, but they had not had the best of luck. Toby Comley, in particular, must have wondered who he had upset as he tried to deal with bad bounces and swirling kicks.

However, it was Comley who broke out of defence and sprinted 50 yards before sending Meagher over under the posts. A simple conversion for Salmon and all smiles again as Farnham edged back in front, 20-17.

More pressure from the visitors and Salmon kicked a penalty to establish a six-point cushion.

Teddington were reduced to 14 when player-coach Paul Manley was sin-binned for a high tackle, but it was to be a painful dénouement for Farnham. Comley spilled the ball in the teasing wind, the Antlers pack rumbled forward and Ferg Farrell crashed over under the sticks. Penberthy added the extras and Teddington led 24-23 with five minutes to go.

Farnham’s attempted catch-and-drive score was frustrated by one of the more controversial rugby laws. Teddington remained calm, kicked for territory and two more penalties by the faultless Penberthy put the game beyond Farnham.

The return fixture in the new year will be interesting.

Farnham podium points: Dan Williams 3, Ben Adams 2, Oli Brown 1.