BATTERSEA IRONSIDE 17, FARNHAM 29

FARNHAM overcame bogey side Battersea Ironsides on a gloomy afternoon in South London.

The Irons, who started the day fifth in the London 3 South-West table, are enjoying a solid season and lost to league leaders Eastleigh by just one point (18-19) in their last run-out.

They were always going to pose a threat to second-placed Farnham at their intimidating ground.

The start was frenetic and Farnham, notoriously slow starters, conceded a soft try in the first minute, Irons number 8 Johnson strolling over from 20 metres out and Winn adding the extras.

Play was scrappy in the slippery conditions and poor light, but Battersea twice conceded penalties under pressure and Toby Salmon’s boot cut their lead to 7-6.

Farnham begin to create openings up front through Pete Daly, Luke Batten and Dan Williams. The lighter Iron forwards began to wilt and Toby Salmon kicked another penalty to put his side in front, 9-7.

Farnham were starting to put phases together. James Corlett and Mike Salmon combined in the centre and Daly, after sucking in the defenders, offloaded adroitly to Ed Weeks who sent Batten over for the try. Conversion missed and Farnham turned round with a 14-7 lead.

The Ironsides are known for their uncompromising, full-on attitude to the game. Their spirit has always been superb and they were determined to show it here.

Despite their lack of poundage – perhaps 1.5 stone per man – they competed fiercely at the tackle and breakdown. The hulking Daly was gang-tackled, forcing him into a forward pass, and resulting pressure from the Battersea marauders earned them a penalty and three points: 10-14.

The pugnacious Iron were now winning the breakdowns and subsequent scrums. Farnham, needing control and composure, called up Andrew Bond and Jemi Akin-Olugbade from the bench. The penalty count rose and Toby Salmon nailed a kick for three important points.

The visitors had hit a timely purple patch. Toby Comley, back to his rumbustious best, stripped the ball from an opposing centre, initiating a series of drives that ended with Ben Jones going over for an unconverted try. Daylight at last for Farnham with a two-score advantage.

As the gloom deepened, Farnham broke out again, Bond bustling at the breakdown and then Dan Williams feeding Comley who showed great skills to send Toby Salmon over for his 20th try of the season.

His conversion settled the outcome at 29-10, but Ironsides were still not done and, urged on by their vociferous supporters, had the final word with a sublime try. A cross-field kick from Norris sent winger Andrews charging over and the conversion closed the scoring.

Farnham President’s Podium Points: Luke Batten 3, Mike Salmon 2, Toby Salmon 1.

This Saturday, Farnham entertain basement side Millbrook in their last league game before Christmas. The game (ko 2.15pm) will be preceded by the usual club lunch. To book places, contact chairman@farnhamrugby .org