Tottonians 12 Farnham 31 – report
Farnham produced a clinical bonus-point performance to end Tottonians’ 11-match unbeaten home record and officially ended our title aspirations as they ran out 31-12 victors, but the match ended on a sour note with a serious injury to Farnham’s captain Toby Salmon.
TOTTONIANS 12 FARNHAM 31
Water Lane, Totton
Saturday 8th March 2025
Regional 2 South Central – match 20
The final home league game of the season and Tottonians put their unbeaten record on the line – with 38 wins from their last 41 on home soil since the enforced ‘Covid’ break, hopes were high to close the 2024/25 campaign with an 11 from 11 record at Water Lane.
However, the unbeaten league leaders had other ideas and the powerful and skilful visitors torched that record with aplomb as they showed why they are destined for Regional 1 South next season.
And much like it was in the reverse fixture back in November, the writing was placed firmly on the wall early on as the hosts roared out of the blocks and crossed twice in the opening eight minutes.
Farnham hit the front after just three minutes when, from a penalty, the visitors kicked to the corner and, from the subsequent catch and drive, flanker Jon Vincent bundled over for the opening score. Skipper Toby Salmon converted.
Totts came back hard and looked assured as they hit the Farnham defensive line strongly with some strong runs from Flint, Quinn and Jansen. Robbie Searle’s clever chip ahead was knocked on and when Josh Raqio took a quick tap from a penalty, the hosts hit their visitors’ 22.
However, a penalty concession relieved the pressure, and in fact, put more on the home side as the well drilled outfit came hard through the middle and swift running and handling took play left and right, piercing holes in the Totts line and winger Joe Wigmore cut his way to the line. Salmon converted and Farnham were 14-0 up in the blink of an eye.
There was no lack of endeavour from the home side though, partnering some firm defending which kept the free-running Surrey outfit at bay but they were hindered by the ball being turned over all too regularly.
With time ticking down to the half’s end, Totts struck twice in quick fashion.
Farnham were penalised on their own 22 lineout for offside and when Josh Raqio’s sharp thinking took the tap penalty, it realised the on-rushing Rich O’Donnell to skip his way through some weak tackles and cleverly kick ahead, forcing the backtracking visiting defence to take the ball over the try line, giving Totts the five metre scrum.
They were to make no mistake as they drove their opponents back and Nic Jansen lurched over the line to cut the arrears.
This put a firm spring in the Tottonians step and they continued to attack and spend much of the next five minutes in Farnham’s half.
The pressure told on Farnham’s Max Williams as he was sent to the sin bin and from the scrum restart, the hosts drove forward and Tom Tully cut inside to find a space in the line to cut through. Robbie Searle added the extras.
From 0-14 down, the lead at the break was just two points and Totts went back to the dressing rooms with some swagger.
Unfortunately, it was to be short lived. Just 90 seconds in the second period, from Tottonians’ scrum on half way and as the ball was spread to the right, it was fumbled only for Wigmore to pounce, cleverly gather and surge up the left wing unopposed to take the wind out of the Totts sails.
It was the killer blow to the Totts hopes, especially with Searle missed a penalty which would have kept them in touch shortly after penalties costing them dearly when they were deep into Farnham territory.
Kev Raqio came on to replace the hard-working O’Donnell but his entry into the game lasted just two minutes before he was yellow carded and, from the penalty and kick to touch, Farnham sprung the ball out wide at pace and Joe Brockman sprinted in at the corner for the bonus point clinching score.
Salmon added the conversion and shortly after a penalty from 45 metres out to ease his side further ahead.
The Farnham captain’s day was to come to an abrupt halt as, with ten minutes remaining in the game, he stood in the way of the on-rushing Searle, took the tackle but lay prone on the ground afterwards.
Play was halted and subsequently, following discussions with both coaches, called to its conclusion to allow Salmon urgent treatment. Thankfully, news came through that he sat up some 30 minutes later and was released from hospital later than night.
For Tottonians though, it brought to an end their slim title hopes, dented by the away loss at Farnham and extinguished by their solitary home loss – the third season in a row the title winners have raided Water Lane for the win (Marlborough and Jersey the others).
The 19 points deficit was the largest home defeat Totts had conceded since going down 32-6 againster Battersea Ironsides in September 2019 – Totts will have to wait until next September for their next home opportunity.
TOTTONIANS POINT SCORERS:
1 try – Tom Tully (sponsored by Brewpack)
1 try – Nic Jansen (sponsored by Wheelers Travel)
1 conversion – Robbie Searle (sponsored by R&M Electrical)
COACH PHIL OSMAN and CAPTAIN LIAM MURPHY DISCUSS FARNHAM LOSS
