FARNHAM 17, CAMBERLEY 47

ALMOST exactly three years ago, Farnham enjoyed a ten-try romp against Camberley. How things have changed, with Camberley, the London 2 SW leaders, running in seven tries at Monkton Lane to complete a destructive league double against their local rivals.

Camberley’s class was just too much for Farnham on a bitterly cold day as the sides embarked on the second half of the league campaign.

Farnham were forced into defensive mode immediately. It was perhaps the story of the game when the Cam heavies shunted Farnham back at a scrum and number 8 Mac Duaibe went over under the posts. Fly-half Matt Smart duly converted.

Camberley are a slick, talented, hard-working unit and, soon after the restart, following a five-metre scrum, the ball was whipped across the line and Jamie Taylor dotted down. Smart again converted and it was 14-0 after just ten minutes.

The next score was crucial if a beleaguered Farnham were to get into the match.

At last, they managed to clear their lines and a thunderous kick from Jack Scullion moved play into Camberley’s 22. Quick ball from Ben Adams at the lineout freed up scrum-half Oli Brown who made good ground before transferring to Toby Salmon. Older brother Mike Salmon finished off the move, Salmon Jnr converted, and Farnham were in the game at 7-14.

Roared on by the vociferous home supporters, Farnham thought they had scored again when Toby Comley touched down after a flowing attack, but the referee had already blown for a penalty, Josh Watson’s high tackle earning him a yellow card.

Oyoni Gbla, Camberley’s pocket battleship of a winger, charged over for an unconverted try, but Farnham, spearheaded by Pete Daly, continued to drive forward and a delightful offload by the massive no 8 sent Toby Salmon sprinting over the line.

The home side were enjoying a purple patch at this stage and, after a multi-phase attack, winger Scullion picked the ball off his toes to score out wide.

Both conversions were missed, though, and Camberley, their lead reduced to 19-17, cranked up the pressure to put the game beyond Farnham with three tries in eight minutes.

Gbla scored out wide and then Dylan Emerton reacted quickest to claim the touchdown as Farnham misfired at a lineout. Finally, Sam Voight crashed over after some valiant Farnham defence.

Smart, who had converted Emerton’s try, hit the upright with this one and Camberley took a 36-17 advantage into half-time.

With the breeze now at their backs, Farnham gained territorial advantage in this heavyweight contest, but their attacks were constantly thwarted by a poor last pass, knock-ons or choosing the wrong options.

The second half, in fact, was an anticlimax after the earlier try-fest. Camberley should have converted their dominance of the tight play into greater rewards, but had to be satisfied with a late push-over try by Duaibe and a Smart penalty.

Farnham’s champagne moment came when lightweight scrum-half Brown stripped the ball from the sizeable Duaibe.

Camberley had showed why they are league leaders and what Farnham have to do to improve and compete in this league.

Farnham President’s Podium Points: Daly 3, Adams 2, Toby Salmon 1.