The strength of local rugby was on display at a bitterly cold and misty Lime Meadow Avenue as Warlingham and Trinity’s Under 22 sides fought out a competitive festive derby.

Trinity took the spoils with some well taken tries at their home ground. But the Wars can be immensely proud of their efforts, capping the day off with the try of the day from the excellent James Gathercole, who latched onto an inch perfect half way line chip from classy fly-half Harry Sturgess, and caught the ball cleanly and burnt the full back off with impressive acceleration to score in the corner. Sturgess nailed the tricky conversion from the sideline with ease.

Had Warlingham taken all their chances so clinically, the scoreline would have been tighter but fair play to Trinity’s scrambling defence (albeit at the expense of seeing yellow a few times). Harry Webzell’s powerful run and try through the heart of the hosts tackling gave the Wars hope earlier in the second half and showed his quality. It seemed like more tries would follow a long period of territorial dominance in the second half but unfortunately proved scoreless for the visitors in contrast to Trinity’s execution when on top.

For a side playing their first games together though, Warlingham did much to warm the hearts of the supporters. The Wars were physical, composed in possession and showed an outstanding drive to play. Great performances from Jack Forde, Shay Holton, Jaylan Ryan-Coker and Harry Sturgess. In truth, everyone was excellent and did the club proud.

Thanks to Pete Jerrom and Ollie Wilson⁩ for getting the side together and to Morgan Gillam⁩ for skippering the side. A great afternoon and hopefully the start of a great festive rugby tradition.