There was tension in the air of south west London during the closing stages of this clash but Warlingham eventually triumphed in fine style over Law Society with a try bonus point secured in entertaining fashion.

The blue and whites pack dominance and flashes of brilliant champagne rugby was cheered by the travelling supporters but the tenacious home side stuck to their task and saw a nail biting finish.

Law put Warlingham under pressure early and were on the scoreboard with a penalty try in the opening minutes following a harsh intentional knock-on called by the referee against skipper James Delderfield. Warlingham were 7-0 down and down to 14 men for a spell but battled back strongly, building the phases through powerful forward drives from Morgan Gillam, Matt Healey and evergreen Alex Nunn. Creating space and drawing penalties of their own, half-backs Terry Gillam and Alex Glover orchestrated the play unleashing their exciting back line with Mark Chatfield starring in a man of the match performance at fullback. Warlingham’s pressure led to two penalties in the Law red zone and young centre Olly Wilson stroked over the both kicks to narrow the deficit. On the stroke of half time, Warlingham rejected a further easy three pointer and Westoby tapped the penalty and dived over from 5 metres. Wilson added the extras and went in at half-time 13-7 up.

The men from Hamsey Green took a little time to get back into their stride but when they did the outcome was spectacular. Warlingham had dominated at the set piece and from a line out just inside the visitors half, gathered by the flying Jamie Curtis and driven in a mighty rolling maul navigated by JD, Townsend and the ever dynamic Matt Barnett with the whole pack’s power to the opponents line. Having scattered the Law defence, top scoring number 8 Riley Potter barged his way over. Impressive forward play by the Warlingham pack. Wilson added the conversion with his toughest kick and the side was buzzing.

If the second try was one for the connoisseurs of forward play, the third try was a thriller for those that love the open ‘jouer’ style of play. Tom Pugh carried the hard yards in midfield as ever and set up quick ball for scrum half Gillam, finding centre Westoby’s intelligent run off the ruck. Westoby’s footwork unbalanced the defence and he slipped a perfect offload out of the back of his hand leaving four defenders prone. Centre partner Wilson collected the pass and drove through the defence, drawing the winger and slipping a well timed pass to flying winger Terrell Palmer-Simpson. The speedster still had lots to do to beat the cover defence but his searing pace, swerve and shuffle left defenders grasping at thin air and he slid under the posts to huge cheers and celebrations. A beautiful try. Wilson added the extras to complete his 12 point haul.

And then a Warly wobble. From 27-7 up, the Law fought back with a carefree style that troubled Warlingham out wide. Some great defence by Oli Archer held the Law at bay momentarily but eventually the dam burst and Law Society scored 3 tries from nothing. Warlingham’s task made harder by going down to 13 men for a spell after two yellow cards for high tackles. 26-27 with 6 minutes to go.

The team talk behind the posts did the trick. Warlingham snapped out of their slumber and finished the job. The blue and whites went back to building the phases through forward carries and drew a string of penalties and with a brave decision Chatfield drove a penalty into the corner. Curtis rose highest again in the resulting line out and with a last heave the pack drove over again, with Riley Potter touching down for his brace. A huge sigh of relief but also confidence in getting the job done. Terry Gillam nailed the conversion from the touchline and a bonus point win was won.

A big win for Warlingham and a boost ahead of the Christmas run in for the next few matches. Best wishes to Harry Cave after a painful knee injury, get well soon.

Warlingham play Old Wimbledonians at home next weekend with huge support required.