TEDDINGTON 7, FARNHAM 80

FARNHAM, who had never previously won at Bushy Park, put the record straight with a crushing victory over an under-strength, but spirited and vociferous Teddington side.

Teddington went 68 matches without defeat over a three-year period ending in 2015, during which Farnham suffered some brutal losses.

The tide has turned, however. Teddington have lost some of their star turns to nearby clubs and their fortunes have waned accordingly.

Farnham, the London 3SW leaders, set a relentless pace, despite playing into the biting breeze. After defending the kick-off, Toby Comley stole a lineout on halfway, allowing the first of many charges by Pete Daly who put Reece Stennet over under the posts. Easy extras for Toby Salmon.

Farnham were in the mood to swiftly put the game beyond the hosts. Straight from the restart, a sweeping attack culminated in a Mike Salmon try and Toby Salmon conversion; 14-0 after four minutes.

Skipper Mike led by example, bursting through the home defence with his long, rangy strides. He was held up, but No 8 Daly gathered the recycled ball and made the touch-down, Toby Salmon converting.

A frustrated Teddington increased the intensity, putting verbal pressure on the referee, but to no avail as Farnham continued to batter forward.

James Trodden, Lenny Jennings and Andy Naisbitt had the edge in a scrum near the posts. The big five shunted the home forwards backwards and easy pickings for Daly. Conversion by Salmon T and bonus point secured at 28-0 inside half-an-hour.

Teddington’s first real attack was broken up by James Corlett in the centre and after a quick transfer, Dave Hurley was thwarted at the posts after an 80-metre sprint.

As half-time approached, Jemi Akin Olugbade rolled back the years with a stunning break, but his loose pass put Teddington on a rampaging counter-attack which was only thwarted by Mike Salmon’s try-saving tackle.

For the second half, Farnham had the strengthening wind at their backs. Replacements Dan Williams and Jason Crabb entered the fray, and now there was no holding the visitors. After an immediate breakout, Daly attacked from the base of the scrum and winger Ed Weeks flew over; 33-0.

A rare structured attack brought Teddington their lone try, Chris Daniels flopping over and Jefferson converting.

Farnham coach Jamie Salmon, incandescent at the loss of concentration, threatened hairdryer treatment from the touchline and his side responded with 47 unanswered points in the final quarter.

Some of the play was outstanding, with backs and forwards combining as Farnham went through the phases. Toby Salmon twice scored under the sticks – simple kicks for himself – and when the ball was shifted wide for a change, Dave Hurley went over in the corner. Salmon Jnr landed a huge conversion and it was 54-7.

Teddington still refused to give up the fight and winger Ellis was sin-binned for a high tackle. Jennings unselfishly offloaded to man-of-the-match James Franklin, the only member of the 1st XV squad not to have scored a try this season, and he duly broke his duck. T Salmon again unerring from wide out.

As the clock ran down, Teddington crumbled under the constant attacks. Jonny Davidson crossed over and Daly plucked the ball out of the air to again put Stennet in under the posts. And the denouement – a Toby Salmon break to release scrum-half Oli Brown who slid in for the final try. Toby Salmon took his personal tally to 30 points and Farnham to 80 points. A nice symmetry at a point a minute.

Farnham Podium Points: James Franklin 3, Toby Salmon 2, Pete Daly 1.

All in all, a valuable work-out for Farnham ahead of difficult games at Monkton Lane over the next two weekends.

This Saturday, Farnham host Harlow in the re-arranged London Senior Vase third-round fixture (ko 2pm).

Their biggest game of the season follows on Saturday, February 11 when Farnham host Eastleigh in what will be effectively a title decider.

Eastleigh, still unbeaten and just a point behind in second place, inflicted Farnham’s only defeat of the season last October. The Hampshire side edged a thriller 19-17.

Both matches will be preceded by club lunches. To book places, email chairman@farnhamrugby. com