Warlingham’s Colts continued their strong league form with a confident but close win over Teddington at Hamsey Green, writes David Halliwell.

The young Wars showed the home faithful plenty of energy and endeavour with their powerful pack providing a platform for open, running rugby. Player of the match Alistair MacDonald posed a constant threat in the centres and it wasn’t long before fluent and fast handling put winger Aryan Kandala over in the corner for an excellent try.

Teddington fought back to level the score but Warlingham kept playing their stylish brand of rugby and were unlucky not to add more points before the break, turning down the option of regular kickable penalty points to keep banging on the door for a try. The blue and whites ended the half camped right on the Teddington tryline with forward drives from Declan Britton and Henry Ruddock desperately thwarted by the visitors. Five all at the break probably flattered Teddington but the hosts were not deterred.

Straight from the kick off, Warlingham launched a stunning attack which resulted in a ruck infringement in front of the posts. Influential fly half Cooper Currie banged over the penalty, which would prove crucial in the last reckoning. Currie’s boot kept Teddington playing from their own half but it was his flat pass right at the line that landed in the grateful arms of skipper Charlie Thompson to race in from 30 metres out and dive under the posts for the game breaking try. Currie converted and the game seemed settled.

Teddington never went away however and kept searching for a way back into the game. Warlingham tackled ferociously but conceded a converted consolation try from Teddington’s lively centre with the last play of the game. The final whistle saw cheers and applause from the large crowd who enjoyed seeing another home win for the club with the colts now 2 wins from 2 in the league.

All photos: Hayley Sasserath

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