FARNHAM 21, TWICKENHAM 22

INCANDESCENT to furious to just angry – take your pick as to just how the coaches felt after Farnham had squandered a golden opportunity to clip the heels of Twickenham – third in London 2SW – at Monkton Lane on Saturday.

Having done all the hard work to get back into contention and with the game seemingly won, all Farnham had to do was keep the ball and kick for touch.

But then Farnham were awarded a penalty and Mike Salmon and Andy Naisbitt discussed the options. Salmon was for a shot at goal, while skipper Naisbitt wanted to get the ball off the pitch.

The touch kick was missed, fatally for the hosts as Twickenham ground their way back towards the Farnham try-line, culminating in a well-constructed maul and the penalty given.

Full-back Foster, having a flawless afternoon, was never going to miss and stroked the ball dead-centre with his trusty left foot; 22-21 and victory snatched from Farnham’s grasp.

What a battle it had been, though. Total commitment from both sides, with two formidable defences keeping the game on a knife-edge.

Farnham were on the retreat early on, unusually untidy with the scrum under pressure. Salmon’s relieving kick went straight into the arms of James and there was no stopping the rampaging prop. Foster added a superb conversion from the touchline.

Farnham, notorious slow starters, continued to cough up possession. Another attempted clearance was scuffed straight back to the opposition and flanker Moore crossed over wide out. Foster missed this time, but Twickenham had a handy 12-0 start.

Only then did Farnham settle and, if anything, they had the edge during the last hour of the match.

Pete Daly and replacement Dan Williams began to make inroads, but the visiting defence was organised and aggressive, and Farnham were battered back.

Twickenham’s kicking game, helped by a strong breeze and a slick surface, was excellent and Farnham were frustrated on several lineout catch-and-drives.

However, as half-time approached, it was fifth time lucky and the onslaught was finished off by Daly. A simple conversion for Michael Salmon and Twickenham’s lead was cut to 12-7.

Now with the wind at their backs, Farnham forced the Middlesex side onto the retreat. Stand-in fly-half Andrew Freshwater was pulling the strings, while Oli Brown and wings Elliot Rich and Connor Rumpson supplied the pace.

The balance of power seemed definitely to have shifted as Farnham kicked a penalty to the corner and Daly powered over for his second try. Salmon converted and Farnham had the lead, 14-12.

But Twickenham were far from finished and Farnham found themselves back under the cosh. Prop Evans scored a crucial try in the corner and another raking Foster touchline conversion restored the visitors’ lead; 19-14 with just eight minutes to go.

From the kick-off, Twickenham were penalised for a high tackle on full-back Ben Jones, but Salmon missed the kick.

Back came Farnham from the 22 restart and maul after maul took them within five metres before Freshwater twinkle-toed his way over for the try. Salmon converted from in front of the posts and Farnham were on the brink of victory at 21-19.

But then came that penalty in the last play of the match and a get-out-of-jail card for Twickenham.

Farnham probably deserved the hairdryer treatment they no doubt received after doing all the hard work. Taking the positives was no sort of consolation this time.

Farnham President’s Podium Points: Pete Daly 3, Dan Williams 2, Andrew Freshwater 1.