A scoreline that flattered Hamptonians high flyers and concealed the resilience of Warlingham’s youthful side. In fact the visitors in blue and white had the better of the opening 35 minutes, leading through a well struck penalty from Harry Sturgess.

The Wars smashed through the gain line with big ball carriers Matt Barnett, Riley Potter and Elliott Jones challenging the defence and securing quick front foot ball for young Shay Holton to distribute effectively and expertly. Man of the match Jamie Hughes provided his typical tireless performance on both sides of the ball and the returning Andrew Dearden was everywhere making a particularly strong contribution in cover defence to the gratitude of his team mates. Locks Harry Cave and Spencer Clifford provided the grunt in the engine room giving the Wars a strong platform.

Credit must go to Hamptonians defence that, despite territory and possession, Warlingham could not break. Sturgess high kicks caused havoc, centres Mark Chatfield and Noah Clay moved the ball well, Harrison Thompson was a threat from kick returns and chiming into the line from full back and wingers Jackson Stevens and Lewis Hazeldine worked well with limit space. But to no avail, against the run of play Hamptonians dotted down an unconverted try in the left corner late in the half before adding a converted try on the right as Warlingham ran out of numbers on the stroke of the referees whistle.

12-3 at the break certainly didn’t feel insurmountable and the Wars showed glimpses of real class that promised much. But the side must find a clinical and ruthless edge ahead of back to back home games in February. Replacement Olly Wilson, back in the side after injury, showed some nice touches and powerful tackles in at centre, setting Sturgess away for long line breaks on a couple of occasions. Olly McCusker came off the bench to make his senior debut and looked right at home in the heat of the forward battle and Olly Meadows brought work rate, energy and tenacity to the back row, getting around the pitch incredibly well and making an impact.

While the scoreline blew out as Hamptonians capitalised on some fatigue from a huge visiting defensive effort that gave the home side nothing easy, maximum credit must go to Matt Talboys for an excellent all round 80 minute shift at tighthead prop in a scrum that was on top all day.

A tough day at the office against a well drilled side challenging for promotion. The Wars move on to the next challenge with optimism and hard work in training to come.