The Wars roared out of the blocks with strong forward runs, great attacking shape and a clear ambition to play in the right parts of the field. Jaylan Ryan-Coker, man of match Matt Barnett and Olly McCusker on his home debut smashed their way through the Worth defence off clever short balls in midfield from cunning fly half Harry Sturgess. While Elliott Jones and Harry Cave worked around the fringes making the hard yards which were created and well orchestrated by the calming influence of young scrum half Shay Holton.

The first score wasn’t long in coming. First Andrew Dearden’s try in the corner was ruled out held up. The resulting goal line drop out was momentary respite for Worth, as from the next wave of pressure, back row Olly Wilson marked his return from injury with a try, diving over from short distance in heavy traffic to huge celebrations. A well deserved lead for the Wars. Harry Sturgess cooly slotted the conversion from wide out and the blue and whites tails were up.

The Wars then tried to exploit space in the wider channels with Mark Chatfield and Noah Clay opening up the game and Jackson Stevens making a series of raids down the left wing. And when Stevens raced clear down the tramlines he went agonisingly close to scoring as his high speed chip and chase was just gobbled up by the Worth covering defence before the teenage winger could hack the ball on to the in goal area. Fellow back three players Alex Glover and Adam Downie-Keen sought to stretch the visitors defence with clever link up play. Wars were well on top with another attacking line out drive eagerly anticipated by the pack built on the foundation of Simon Townsend’s work in the tight. But the line out broke down at a critical time and a series of unfortunate and unforced errors on the muddy pitch led to Worth notching two break away tries. The hosts could feel hard done by to go in 7-12 at the break but top teams capitalise on their opportunities and find a way to win.

Worth had momentum and extended their lead early in the second stanza with a well worked try. The game was not over but Warlingham would need to break an attritional game again to find two scores as the pitch and weather worsened. Warlingham kept going and brought on big second row Raphael Fudge for a strong debut marked by some big hits and impactful rucking. Joe Kelly secured plenty of line out ball and Olly Meadows added work rare and desire to Warlingham’s attempt at a come back. Unfortunately despite decent territory the home side couldn’t make it over the line or notch a penalty that would have secured a losing bonus point. A frustrating day but lots of positives in competing with the top side in the division.

Warlingham face Economicals at home this Saturday in a big battle towards the bottom of the table. Maximum support is required at Hamsey Green to cheer on the home side.