A huge crowd of members, past players, friends and families gathered at Hamsey Green to celebrate their annual Golden Oldies Day. A valiant effort from Warlingham’s players in front of a packed touch line in the last game of a tough season wasn’t enough to gain victory but there are positive signs for the future of this young squad.

Exiles started impressively with tries in either corner through contrasting styles. A powerful driving maul on the right then slick hands out wide for the winger to run in from long range had the Wars on the back-foot. But the hosts fought their way into the game in the sunny but windy conditions. Teenage fly half Harry Sturgess nailed a perfect 50/22 kick to win line out possession deep in Exiles territory. The blue and whites pack threatened their opponents line with Harry Cave, Morgan Gillam, Riley Potter, Elliott Jones and Spencer Clifford carrying with vigour over the gain line. Sturgess provided flat passes to centres dangerous centres Tom Warne and Noah Clay and wingers Fred Webzell and Ben Hamilton did excellently with the space they had. Mark Chatfield’s hard running from full back punched holes out wide while the tireless work of props Matt Healey and Matt Talboys deserved some tries themselves. But scores were not forthcoming in the opening stanza for Warlingham.

Exiles lead at half time was not unassailable but a period of pressure and time spent with fewer players owing to harsh yellow cards for technical offences saw the Exiles blow the scoreline out. Replacements Shay Holton, Jaylan Ryan-Coker and Lucas Kewell added youthful exuberance and high quality play against a strong and experienced Exiles side. Evergreen prop Alex Nunn added his know-how to the pack to great effect.

The big crowd wanted a score to cheer on their big day and the Wars conjured a try to bring smiles to their faces. Man of the match flanker Olly Wilson capped an all action performance by scooping up a loose ball one handed in his own half and taking off through the Exiles cover defence. Accelerating to the line, the crowd urged Wilson on and, with support steaming up on his left, the number 7 drew the covering winger and found winger Lewis Hazeldine with a perfect offload. Hazeldine rushed over under the posts and Sturgess added the extras. Just 7 points on the day but it was the least Warlingham deserved.

The referee’s whistle sounded the end of the season and Wars biggest crowd applauded the work and effort over the months and weeks of the season. The players thoughts were already turning to next year and building on the positives.

A long day and night of club members of different generations mixing and celebrating what makes Warlingham special. The club’s second team lost 20-5 away at Old Walcountians. Meanwhile hundreds of the clubs mini rugby players were successfully ‘on tour’ at the Tigers Challenge in Bognor Regis. Well done everyone who has worn the blue and white of Warlingham this season.