KCS OLD BOYS 17, FARNHAM 13

ANOTHER Saturday and another late defeat for Farnham.

They had dominated in defence and attack for most of the afternoon at Motspur Park, but KCS Old Boys, having taken a battering at the scrums, came off the ropes to land a stunning sucker-punch in this London 2SW fixture.

Awarded a five-metre scrum, KCS pushed back their heavier opponents and number 8 Jon Vermont went over under the posts to make the conversion a formality for Will Slater.

The King’s College School old boys had turned a 10-13 deficit into a four-point advantage and try as they might in the remaining 10 minutes, Farnham could not break down the home defence.

Deeply frustrating for the visitors and KCS admitted they were lucky, but Farnham paid the price for not turning their earlier superiority into a greater lead.

The omens were good as Jules Joris, Jonny Davidson and skipper Andy Naisbitt made the hard yards, backed up by Pete Daly and Ben Adams in the row, while James Corlett and Michael Salmon made inroads into the home 22. Winger Jack Scullion was using his howitzer left foot to good effect and the KCS penalty count rose as Farnham pushed for the first score.

Time and time again, they were held metres from the line and then – a forerunner of what was to come – KCS snatched the lead on a rare foray.

With a penalty earned, Slater caught Farnham napping with a tap-and-go and darted over for a try which he converted himself.

Farnham increased their intensity and soon restored parity. The predatory Toby Comley was up and in the face of Luke Minors and charged down the full-back’s attempted clearance before following up to ground the bobbling ball, with Michael Salmon adding the extras.

Four frenetic minutes later, with the home back row playing on the limit and testing the patience of referee Jon Priestley, Harry Wakefield was penalised for a dangerous tackle and Salmon slotted over a long-ranger and Farnham took a slender 10-7 lead into half-time.

With club chairman Geoff Robins now acting as touch judge, Farnham had the breeze behind them and set out to play in the KCS half. So much for the game plan. Farnham found themselves trapped in their own 22 and were pinged for offside, Slater’s boot bring the scores level again.

Thereafter, Farnham had the bulk of attacking possession. KCS lost Harry Wakefield to the bin for going off his feet at a ruck and Salmon kicked his side back into the lead at 13-10.

The last quarter made painful viewing for the Farnham camp. Attacks were beaten back, wrong options taken and although generally dominant, the visitors looked vulnerable as well.

Salmon saw a penalty drift wide, while KCS replacement Rory Buckingham crossed the try-line, only for the referee to judge the ball to have been held up.

Finally, KCS reversed the trend and shoved Farnham back to score that conclusive converted try and leave Farnham the scant consolation of a losing bonus point.

Four times this season now, Farnham have squandered a winning opportunity. Andover, Gosport & Fareham, Twickenham and now KCS have all snatched wins in the closing stages.

“We can’t just take the positives from the game,” said Farnham president Geoff Bond. “I honestly believe they were not better than us. It’s time for Farnham to start putting away teams. We have lost 12 league points this season in similar fashion. The boys have to start managing the game better if they are to do justice to their skills and endeavour.”

President’s Podium Points: Jonny Davidson 3, Pete Daly 2, Jack Scullion 1.

• There are no league fixtures this Saturday.

• After beating Gosport in the RFU Intermediate Cup, Farnham are drawn away to London club Charlton Park in the third round. Charlton lie fourth in London 2 South-East.