Maidenhead battle hard in defeat at Farnham but away form raises relegation concerns

Farnham 38, Maidenhead 22

Maidenhead’s poor run of form away from home continued in Saturday’s 38-22 defeat at Farnham, however, David Mobbs-Smith’s side were more competitive than they have been in recent away trips.

So far at least this season, Maidenhead have struggled to collect points away from Braywick Park, and that was the case again on Saturday, despite the team racking up 22 points and giving their mid-table hosts a run for their money.

Maids came into Saturday’s clash sitting six points behind Farnham in the table, but that gap has now widened to 11 points with Farnham skipping up to sixth. Maids drop a place to 10th - still on only 15 points from nine matches. All those points have been accrued at home.

In taxing, blustery wet conditions, the two sides played out an entertaining fixture, but Farnham had the edge and an element of control throughout as Maids fought valiantly to get something - even a losing bonus point - out of the game.

Farnham’s best try came when centre Toby Salmon made a piercing break through the Maids’ backline. Holding off tackles he carried the home side forward. The ball was recycled well after decent Maidenhead defence but the ball was moved quickly to the right-hand side where Zac Tinkler raced over to score on his debut.

FARNHAM 38 v MAIDENHEAD 22
A 5-pointer win at Wilkinson Way. Calm, controlled and clinical was the recipe for yesterday’s game. Video at https://t.co/W9K1JsoZ63 a Toby Salmon’s piercing run finished off by Farnham’s electric debutant Zac Tinkler. Another big game next week

— Farnham Rugby (@FarnhamRugby) November 23, 2025

Maids now move on to another tough away game at second placed Tunbridge Wells. Their hosts have been in commanding form this season, losing just twice to the London Scottish Lions - at home - and away to Old Alleynians.

They have though, had several close games of late and were pushed all the way to the final whistle in Saturday’s 33-30 away win over Camberley. They also edged out Bracknell 29-33 away from home a few weeks ago, but looked more solid in their last home encounter, a 29-7 win over Maidenhead’s opponents at the weekend, Farnham.

Mobbs-Smith and his squad must find a way of becoming more competitive away from Braywick Park - or at least securing the odd losing bonus point on their travels - if they’re going to lift themselves out of the bottom four.

A gap is starting to form between the bottom four sides and the mid-table teams above them and - should that remain the case - throughout the second half of the campaign, Maids will at least be involved in a relegation play-off or potentially face automatic relegation.

They currently sit just five points outside of the bottom two in what’s becoming an incredibly competitive division.

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Oxford Harlequins 2nds 14, Windsor 18

Windsor picked up a hugely important and encouraging 18-14 win at bottom of the table Oxford Harlequins on Saturday, as Andy Symons side continue to strive for survival in Regional 2 Thames.

Promoted alongside champions Oxford Harlequins as one of the best runners-up in the region, Windsor are adapting much better to life at the level above.

Saturday’s narrow but crucial win lifts them out of the bottom two to 10th in the table, three points above the London Irish Wild Geese - the only other team they’ve defeated so far this campaign.

The result also brings the likes of Harpenden and Grasshoppers above them back within striking distance ahead of their next game, at home to Grasshoppers on Saturday (November 29).

Saturday’s tie at Quins was a low scoring affair played in difficult conditions, but Windsor managed to grasp the lead and hold onto it.

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Marlow 30, Harpenden 14

Marlow meanwhile are up to seventh in the table after a controlled 30-14 win over Harpenden at Riverwoods on Saturday.

Marlow had the better of both halves, leading 17-7 at the interval and keeping their opponents at arm’s length in the second half with further scores.

It was a strong performance throughout, using the boot in blustery conditions to good effect.

They sent over several penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over and defended brilliantly in the closing stages to prevent Harpenden adding to their tally or perhaps even threatening Marlow’s lead.

After consecutive wins over Aylesbury, Windsor and Harpenden, Marlow face a trip to out-of-form London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday.