A match Warlingham should have won. From the off, the Wars tore into their opponents and made light of the short trip to Raynes Park to build early momentum.

Returning fly half Louis Rossi-Jones was imperious with his kicking game, penning Law Society into their own half and opening the scoring with a well struck early penalty, forced by good forward pressure. Wars’ scrum was well on top with hugely impressive control from Matt Talboys, Matt Healey and Elliott Jones in the front row, all were strong in both the tight and the loose.

The blue and whites were not satisfied with just three points and emphasised their momentum in the game with an excellent team try. A flowing move through several pairs of hands and from deep in their own half saw the elusive Jackson Stevens cut in off his wing to cause chaos in the Law defence. Quick ball saw the play move to the opposite wing and powerful carries from Andrew Dearden, Harry Cave and Jack Norman opened up space for Rossi-Jones to dart through to score. Confident rugby from the Wars and the conversion gave the visitors a 10 point lead.

Law fought back with a converted try of their own to stem the tide of Warlingham’s attack but with real flair back came the Wars. Again flowing attacking rugby from inside their own half created phases for forwards and backs to enjoy the space created. Inside centre Olly Wilson dazzled the defenders and delivered a perfect ball for rampaging full back Mark Chatfield to pick a line and drive through a hole in the stretched defence. Chatfield calmly drew the fullback and delivered the ball on a plate for number 8 Riley Potter to run in unopposed. The Wars were turning on the style. Rossi-Jones added the extras and despite another Law Society smash and grab raid, Wars turned around 14-17 up at half time.

An early second half try from Law didn’t seem to alter Warlingham’s attacking endeavour. Captain Morgan Gillam ran hard to get his side back on the front foot. Scrum half Lewis Hazeldine sought to inject increased pace into the game and turn the home side around, getting Noah Clay and Terrell Palmer-Simpson on the ball. Rossi-Jones kicked a straight forward penalty to make it a one point game.

Despite their line out woes, Warlingham carved open Law Society from deep on many occasions. Man of the match Wilson continued to find Chatfield running good lines out wide with the fullback making a series of long line breaks. Raphael Fudge brought intensity and tackled everything that moved. Tom Hasmi showed real power with a huge hit and ferocious carry through the Law defence. Despite their best efforts Wars frustratingly could not add to their score, with Law to their credit getting several turnovers at the breakdown when it seemed their line was about to break.

A further Law Society score to close the game from the hosts even denied Wars the losing bonus point and the head scratching at losing this game will continue into training this week. But a huge effort and some brilliant attacking rugby will give the side a boost.

Warlingham’s last home league fixture on 5 April will be supported by nearly 200 past players and long-standing members at the club’s annual Golden Oldies Day. The team will be desperate to sign off this season with a win over London Exiles in front of their biggest crowd of the season.