Warlingham celebrated a well deserved first league win of the season long into the night as players and supporters toasted a superb victory over neighbours Streatham-Croydon.

The sense of elation and relief was clear on the referees final whistle, with loud cheers and applause signalling a change of fortune for the Wars.

A packed pre-match Christmas lunch for supporters and past players was treated to 3 Warlingham teams out on this special Saturday with a big Christmas party to follow whatever those matches would bring. It was a day for celebrations.

The conditions dictated an attritional and physical style of rugby. Streatham opened the scoring with a clever switch in the backline to put their winger over in the corner. The missed conversion highlighted the windy conditions although a later penalty under the posts gave the visitors an 8 point advantage. Warlingham roared back into the storm. Hard carries through multiple defenders from Elliott Jones, Riley Potter, Matt Healey and Matt Talboys opened up space around the fringes for the nippy scrum half Lewis Hazeldine and quick front foot ball gave outstanding young fly-half, academy product and man of the match Harry Sturgess the ability to conduct the orchestra to his tune. Captain Morgan Gillam lead by example dragging every ounce of energy from his players. After sustained pressure, Warlingham opted to go for goal and Sturgess tamed the wild wind to drill the kick down the middle. 3-8 to the visitors at half time.

Warlingham had regrouped well after losing talisman Oliver Wilson to a fractured skull in the opening stanza. The whole club wish him well for a full and speedy recovery.

Warlingham looked patient and in control in the second half with a steely determination to win the match. Pinning opposition sides into the northern end of the ground and forcing them to play out against the elements has been a feature of playing Warlingham at home over many years. Fred Webzell was masterful at fullback, claiming the high ball and returning kicks with interest with his elusive running style. Winger Moses Biatsu was a constant threat with the ball on the left wing with Cam Sharp providing consistent kick chase and wide cover tackles. Noah Clay and Mark Chatfield resisted any S&C breakouts through their big ball carriers, knocking players back and providing solid and sensible attack and defence in centre-field.

Warlingham were dominant and the territorial advantage and penalty count begun to swing heavily in their favour and their replacements added fresh legs and verve to proceedings. Harry Cave and Rory Sharp were flying in the line out and securing clean ball for the forwards to drive. Young pack star Jack Norman provided a firecracker of energy doing the unseen dirty work, clearing rucks and expertly generating maul momentum alongside his prominent ball carrying and solid tackles. The breakthrough was imminent and then the dam burst. Sturgess’ boot put Warlingham in the red zone and the wiley front row of Nunn, Healey and Jones provided the foundations for a succession of rolling mauls and scrum drives that could only be halted by infringements. With Warlingham desperate for the points and S&C down a man to the sin bin, a huge scrum left the visitors scrambling and dynamic flanker Marley Cooper-Lyide dived over the line to score under the posts. Cooper-Lyide covered every blade of grass and his try was just reward for a committed display. A huge moment in the match and a massive effort to get his body over the line in heavy traffic. Sturgess cooly drilled the ball over to take a 10-7 lead. Uncharted territory for Warlingham this season.

The supporters needn’t have worried. Warlingham retained their composure. A calm and straight forward exit after the kick off asked too much of Streatham in coming out from their own half. Powerhouse back-rower Jamie Hughes harassed, stopped and stifled any visiting attacking intent all day and normal service was resumed. Powerful forward play, backs testing gaps in the opposition as they fatigued, collectively brilliant defence and real control added again by young Sturgess. Sturgess decision-making and accuracy was excellent and his kicking game got Warlingham in the right place for a winning score. Potter, Jones, Norman and Hughes led the way with carries from the base of the ruck that sapped the energy of the visitors and another ruck penalty was awarded as a penalty try by the referee. No need for the conversion. 7 points in the bag and a two score lead. Of course, there were one or two nerves and sheer hope that this side would finally get what they deserved. A final S&C attack from deep was snuffed out and the referees whistle was greeted with delight, relief, cheers and applause from the Warly faithful. A brilliant way to end the year and hopefully kick on in 2025! A happy Christmas at Hamsey Green.

Warlingham’s 2nd XV drew 0-0 at home against local rivals Old Cats. An unusual scoreline but no lack of effort or endeavour. Man of the match was Jackson Stevens on debut in senior rugby. Lots of club debuts and first senior games, a real triumph.

On the same day, Warlingham/Edenbridge U22 s won 31-12 over Old Reigatians/Emanuel. A great bunch of young players coming together to play and win over at Edenbridge. Well done all Warly players this weekend.

On Sunday December 29 at 2pm Warlingham U22s play Trinity U22 away in the Limpsfield Road derby. All support gratefully received. Join us for the last game of 2025 at Lime Meadow.