Barnes 45 Farnham 5 In what may yet prove to be a key promotion decider, Barnes overcame a physical Farnham side, themselves promotion candidates, to win 45-5 and move into top spot above Richmond in London South West Division Four.

Playing with the conditions in their favour in the first half, Barnes opened the scoring after only three minutes, with a try by captain Ben Jacob, converted from the touchline magnificently by club coach and fly half Carson Russell.

Buoyed by a vociferous crowd, Barnes continued to apply pressure and with the majority of possession and territory, the second score came ten minutes later from No 8, Fonua Sikalu, again converted from the touchline by Russell.

Two further tries before half-time from Buster White and the silver-booted Nick Bradley, one converted, gave Barnes a comfortable 26-0 lead at the break.

The second half was dictated by a strong breeze and a determined Farnham side who kept Barnes pinned deep in their own territory for most of the half. The tie was effectively won by two well-worked tries from Barnes, both of which exemplified their ability to play with width and support. The first came from David Leigh after 48 minutes and the second by Tim Springhall, 11 minutes later, to cap an outstanding performance by the veteran scrum half, who dominated the contest at the base of the scrum.

With continued territorial advantage, however, Farnham eventually gained a deserved reward for their endeavours when Neil Jarret outflanked the Barnes defence to score in the corner, the conversion sailing wide.

The final try of the game was perhaps the best and followed a breakout from the Barnes line. A flowing counter-attack, with the ball passing through several pairs of hands and multiple phases of possession, enabled Leigh to score under the posts and seal a convincing victory.

Barnes, as just reward in this tough extended league season, take a well-earned rest next week and travel to the sunny climes of Buenos Aires before returning to competition against Richmond in a top of the table clash at the Richmond Athletic Ground on February 23rd.