Following hot on the hoofs of the Cheltenham festival, the conditions were good to soft at best but Warlingham’s side, backed by a lively crowd including the club’s academy side, were confident of getting over the line against traditional local rivals Old Whits.

While the visitors took the win by a length or two, Warlingham were well in the game until the final furlong and showed real desire under the new floodlights at Hamsey Green.

Both sides traded penalties as their forwards went to work in an attritional first half. Man of the match, John Dowling worked tirelessly alongside the returning Zac Richardson and tenacious Jamie Curtis. Skipper Delderfield, Matt Healey and Dan Anscombe had control in the front row and, going downhill, looked to exert control of the game in the tight and loose. The Wars may rue not making their territory count on the scoreboard on the back of huge kicks from centre Chris Lipczynski. The training pitch hill makes points on the board pivotal when this advantage is held. Whits scored the half’s only try, making light of the mud to move the ball clinically to the left winger who dived over in the corner. Try converted, 3-13 to the visitors at the break.

Warlingham were unperturbed and took the game to Whits from the kick off. Direct running from Lamont Bryan caused havoc in midfield, Riley Potter carried the hard yards from number 8 and Morgan Gillam worked hard to get quick ruck ball for his side. From this quick ball, Warlingham scored a classy try. Scrum half Lewis Hazeldine fed Lipczynski, now operating at first receiver and he drew in the cover defence before finding winger Mark Chatfield with a long pass. The winger dashing over close to the post to help Lipczynski’s successful conversion. 10-13 with plenty of time to go.

Whits sought to hit back but found their way blocked by some committed and ferocious defence. For long periods the blue and whites held firm and drove the opposition back, racing off the line to put in a good shot. But too much defence is exhausting and inviting Whits into their red zone would result in the dam breaking out wide again and Whits sealed the win making the slope count. A tough one to lose having got so close.

Warlingham travel to Old Blues for their penultimate league fixture of the season and chasing an elusive win. Maximum support would be great if you can make it.