A very tough day at the office for Warlingham in the calm riverside surroundings of leafy Barnes. Starting a trilogy of away league matches at London Exiles, the blue and whites faced an early onslaught from the hosts which proved impossible to quell once the first half momentum had built up.

Young Harrison Thompson provided some cheer with an exquisite 50/22 to give Warlingham the line out ball. Collecting a deep puny under pressure, Thompson was a vision of calm as he gave himself time and delivered an inch perfect kick. A rare moment of cheer for the away supporters.

In the second half, Warlingham looked energised and determined. Elliott Jones gave the side territory with some huge carries, Captain Morgan Gillam dragged the Wars over the gain line and Roy Hart linked play and organised as more phases and territory enabled Warlingham the best of the half. Exiles started to concede lots of penalties and saw red with a high tackle on Thompson who looked likely to score as he stepped inside the cover off an intricate backs move.

Warlingham were able to repell Exiles, soaking up what pressure they had and returning it with interest. Fly half Reuben Galvau took the game by the scruff of the neck and unleashed two huge 50/22 kicks from well short of the half way. And Warlingham’s two tries followed, carry after carry drew in the opposition and first Mark Chatfield crashed onto a flat ball to touch down to the left of the posts. Then from confident play by Galvau taking on the line, number 8 Riley Potter picked up and beat the cover to score in an identical spot. Galvau added the extras.

There’s no hiding from the scoreline but there are lots of work ons and positives to take into training this week and on to the next challenge away at Worth Old Boys this Saturday. Maximum support always gratefully received.