Warlingham kicked off their home campaign with a pre-season win over a powerful Harlequins Amateurs side at Hamsey Green. Looking to make the home ground a fortress this season, the Wars squad was packed with promise. Academy players, new players and established players all combined to give the blue and whites plenty of optimism for the tough season ahead.

It was Warlingham that settled into the game quickest and imposed their style, patterns and mean defence on the visitors. The Wars were 24-0 to the good at half time but the scoreline only told a partial story. Warlingham looked confident and together, happy to play with width and attacking intent while defending and competing at turnovers aggressively.

There were two tries from 17 year old Moses Baitsu, including a blockbusting length of the field breakaway that thrilled the Warly faithful. Roy Hart dived over in the corner to cap a great team move. The ball moving from coast to coast through the hands of veteran Alex Glover, youngster Harry Sturgess and classy back-rowers Lucas Kewell and Olly Wilson. Man of the match Marley Cooper-Lyide scooped a close range try after strong drives from Matt Barnett and Andrew Dearden. Just reward for an all action display. Lewis Hazeldine, Sturgess and new recruit at fly-half Reuben Galvau kept the ball moving from half back. Dan Anscombe, Morgan Gillam and Jack Norman anchored the pack and provided excellent to forward.

The second half was a different affair. Some Warly players transferred to Harlequins to cover injuries and a chance to wear the famous quartered shirts. The Quins showed great attitude and battled their way back into the game. The young Wars side will be better for a bit of adversity and tackling a side that fought back with resilient defence and some big hits from Fred Webzell and Spencer Clifford. As Warlingham rotated, Quins had momentum and got the game back to 24-24 with minutes left on the clock.

Enter Jack Forde, who’s tenacious performance all day ended with the winning try with the last play. A Quins lineout deep in their own 22 was spun out by their scrum half, only to be pilfered by an intelligent and crafty interception by young Forde. As he plunged over, the crowd erupted. Harry Sturgess added the extras and the game was done. A hugely enjoyable match with credit to Quins for making the trip.

Lots of positivity and support as senior players welcomed academy players into the fold of Saturday afternoon rugby and the clubhouse buzzed with positivity. An important win on the road to the new season for Warlingham with a number of reasons to be cheerful. On to the next one together. Well done to all the debutants, a really special day to be Warly!