Warlingham 16 - 24 Trinity

Senior rugby made a welcome return to Hamsey Green as Warlingham 1st XV hosted our most local rivals Trinity for our first league fixture of the season. The wet weather provided a big test for both teams and huge credit must go to Groundsman Terry Dersley for battling the elements to get the game on.

Warlingham showed some rustiness in the first half and were on the end of a high penalty count. But the effort and desire was there for the big crowd to see. Over enthusiastic line speed and around the ruck from Warl saw Trinity score an early opportunistic try from a quick tap penalty and 4 penalty goals. Warlingham looked good with ball in hand. Player of the match, Zack Richardson carried the ball through the Trinity defence and the pack led by veteran Delderfield brothers didn’t take a backward step and forced two lockable penalties of their own converted by Louis Rossi-Jones. 6-17 at the break but in this muddy war of attrition, Warlingham had shown enough to give optimism for the second half.

The second half showed the fight, commitment, desire and skill that Warlingham are famous for. Skipper Brad Saffery and youngster Olly Wilson ran hard and tackled harder. Jamie Curtis dominated in the line out and in the loose. Dowling caused havoc at the breakdown and debutant youth forward Morgan Gillam looked a real handful off the bench. The tide had turned. The penalty count shifted to Warlingham with the pressure and momentum and Trinity were unable to exit their half. Credit to their defence and commitment too. After a period of sustained pressure, exemplified by many long scrum drives at the line, Rossi-Jones found winger Adam Downie-Keen (AKA ADK) to plunge over in the corner.

Warlingham sensed their chance and returned to the Trinity 22 with more forward dominance. This time a disrupted line out close to the line fell to the excellent player coach Lew Brown who slid over to cheers from the crowd. Kicking conditions were horrendous out wide and neither try was converted but at 17-16, there looked like being only one winner. But Trinity kept working and defended their lead. Scoring a very late converted try. Fair play to them. The referee’s whistle was greeted with jubilation from Trinity’s players and supporters. Warlingham were obviously disappointed but should be incredibly proud of the spirit and fight they showed. The players are stepping up. 11 of the 18 player squad are home grown players and the club means a lot to every player!

Massive credit must go to the coaching staff, Jon Hoskens, Jonathan Fox and Lew Brown for starting to turn things around. And to the team of people behind the scenes who make things happen. Special credit to Chris Cave for all the support and running an excellent bath! And also to Chappers junior for running water and kicking tee. It’s a team effort!

This week we look forward to 2 home league games vs Weybridge Vandals and Harlequins Amateurs. A big turnout on and off the field is required please. We really do value your support.

Senior training and touch rugby is at 7.30 every Wednesday.