The Wars had some bright passages of play in the first half and tried to impose their game on the hosts but each attack was punctuated by an unfortunate handling error in the cold. The defence was solid and held firm but penalties invited pressure and this eventually told with Whits moving the ball well out wide and scoring in the corner.

The game opened up a little and Riley Potter, Matt Barnett and JD started to make yards and clean breaks with their power in midfield. Olly Wilson kicked a penalty off the back of classy work from Callum Wand which Whits had to slow.

Winger Juai Charles snaffled a long range interception try with the last play of the half. Reading the intentions of the opposition backs, Charles plucked the ball out of the heavy winter air and gave Warly a half time of 5-11.

Ironically Warlingham turned round the better side up the famous Whitgiftians hill. Finding more continuity, Mark Chatfield, Wilson and Charles cut through the defence and challenged the line. But Warlingham were not clinical enough nor ruthless when the opportunity presented itself. Whitgiftians scored in the corner after a spell of pressure to cut the score to 10-11 and managed a somewhat bizarre penalty try to lead 17-11.

Warlingham had one last chance to score the winning try, but having opted for a scrum the last play move fizzled and the match was done. Fair play to Whitgiftians on their victory. Warlingham will rue their chances but take that into this weeks game with Old Blues. A good training week and team building curry will hopefully get the spoils this time.