London Two South West
Warlingham 16 Old Reigatian 19
Having moved across divisions due to geographical reasons, Warlingham returned to the South West league with high hopes of a better season than last - when they staved off relegation in the last two games.
New captain Jon Osborne had overseen some recruitment during the close season, training had been intense and Warlingham's hopes were high for a positive start. However, the thickness of the goal posts was all that divided the teams at the end of the game.
With three matches being played at Warlingham's Hamsey Green home all six sides stood in silence prior to the games to respect the recent deaths of former president Jon Straker and treasurer Nick Tweedie.
With the formalities done the game started at a furious pace with both sides eager to gain an early advantage in what was to be a tight encounter.
Warlingham struck first with a penalty from full back Joe McEvoy but this was cancelled out straight away with a Reigatian penalty. Warlingham went close when scrum half James Agate deftly kicked ahead, chased up and some stout defence was needed from Reigatian to save a score.
End to end play continued with Jon Osborne feeding No 8 Tom Street who was again denied a score. Warlingham hooker Jonny Fox was sidelined with an arm injury but new flanker David Thornton broke through the visitors' defence and a pass from winger Jack Atkinson to Harry Wrightson was returned and Atkinson ran in unopposed for the try. McEvoy's conversion attempt hit the upright. Agate was yellow-carded for alleged deliberate knock on and, during his absence, Old Reigatian converted two penalties to take the lead at half time.
At the first scrum of the second half the Reigatian No 8 slipped a tackle, handed off a decent pass and the lead was extended with an unconverted try. McEvoy reduced the deficit with a second penalty but, from a five metre line out, Reigatian drove and secured a second try. McEvoy missed a penalty but from an uncontested scrum Street went forward and the ball was shovelled to lock Luke Delderfield who scored Warlingham's second try. McEvoy conversion attempt hit the woodwork for the second time.
A final minute, kickable penalty was spurned by Warlingham who fancied their chances for a try. Unfortunately this was not to be and Reigatian were ecstatic with their win and Warlingham took a bonus point only.
After the game Warlingham head coach Ben Stobart said: "We knew this would be a tough fixture and Old Reigatian have obviously prepared well pre-season. Hitting the woodwork twice was unlucky for us but that was the only difference between the sides."
