After 2 consecutive washouts, Farnham 2nd XI travelled to league leaders Malden Wanderers. Farnham lost the toss and were inserted onto a damp and soft looking wicket.

Farnham found it tough going in the early stages with plenty of movement in the air and off the wicket adding to controlled opening spells from J Marks and Hopkins. P Goldsworthy was the first wicket to fall, caught behind for 5 with the score on 13. Opening partner Matthews (15) followed not long after LBW to first change bowler Cormak. This brought 16 year old Sam Ruffell to the crease who immediately appeared to be batting on a different wicket to his teammates, looking at ease and confidently playing off the front foot on both sides of the wicket. Wickets continued to fall at the other end with T Elstow (11), Crew (0) and Hellyer (1) falling in quick succession to leave Farnham struggling at 60-5. Ruffell was undeterred and continued to play with controlled aggression, scoring at a good rate and looking untroubled. With O'Mahony playing a supporting role at the other end, Malden turned to spin to try and break the partnership. However, Ruffell could not be moved, using his feet well to go over the top to the boundary or work singles to an ever retreating field, passing 50 for the first time in the 2nd XI along the way.

The partnership was eventually broken just 6 short of a century stand when O'Mahony was bowled by the returning Hopkins for a well made 30. Dan Jones joined Ruffell, now in the 80s, and took the attack to Malden. A delightful reverse sweep pleased the crowd, although an attempt at a repeat proved Jones' downfall, LBW to Morgan for 15 from 17 balls. With teammates running out, Ruffell sensed it was now or never and it was more good footwork that took him into the 90s and towards 100. Showing no signs of nerves, the youngster pounced on a short delivery from the spinner, pulling it down to fine leg and running through for 2 to bring up a maiden senior century at better than a run a ball - an exceptional knock in such challenging conditions and circumstances and against a promotion chasing attack.

The remaining wickets fell relatively quickly thereafter with A Elstow (5), A Goldsworthy (4) and finally Ruffell (108 from 103 balls) falling to leave Farnham with an unlikely total of 204 all out in the 53rd over. 3 bowling bonus points secured Malden promotion, although a win was required to secure top spot in the league leaving the game nicely poised heading into the 2nd innings.

The Malden innings started confidently with Hammond in particular maneuvering the ball and taking advantage of anything too straight from opening bowlers P Goldsworth and A Elstow. The bowlers started to find their lines, however, and were beating the bat regularly when Elstow got one to nip back and bowl Hammond for 24. The innings entered a quiet period with Malden's Metcalfe and Edwards playing watchfully against controlled bowling from the Farnham openers and first change bowler O'Mahony. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, drinks brought about a change of intent from Malden with both an increase in the run rate but also chances for wickets. With the score on 100, A Golsdworthy removed Metcalfe for 38 before O'Mahony had the dangerous Redmayne caught at mid wicket in the next over for a duck. Another good partnership between J Marks and Edwards seemed to be tipping the game in Malden's favour although the draw still seemed the most likely outcome, especially when the returning A Elstow bowled Marks (27) and Scobie (0) in consecutive balls with 40 runs still needed and only 5 overs remaining. However, Malden, with little to lose, played aggressively and began to take on the Farnham fielders at every opportunity. Edwards eventually fell for a well made 78, Elstow again the wicket taker with his fourth bowled of the innings leaving him with figures of 11 overs 4 for 40. The game entered the final over with 10 still needed for the win. P Goldsworthy started with a wide before, consecutive quick run 2s and a single from Cormack tilted the game in Malden's favour. M Marks (0) was caught by Elstow from the next ball although, crucially, the batsman crossed leaving Cormack on strike. With 4 needed from 2, another quick 2 and a 4 from the final ball gave Malden victory and the league title.

Farnham were left with just their 5 bonus points to show for a competitive display against a strong opposition, although Ruffell's performance hints at better days to come with him and a number of other promising youngsters starting to make their mark on the Farnham senior section.