The lads made their second journey to Staines this season, this time kicking off their Surrey Cup journey. Unfortunately, on this visit, things didn’t quite go their way. Watching events unfold, David Halliwell has this report.

A much changed Warlingham learned a hard lesson as their Surrey Cup campaign stalled, returning to a motivated Staines side who were keen to avenge their recent league defeat.

Man of the match Matt Barnett lead from the front in an unfamiliar centre berth, with his trademark powerful carries and tough defence deployed in midfield. And Warlingham were on top for most of the opening stanza. Strong running from Andrew Dearden, Harry Cave and skipper Morgan Gillam gave quick ball for Warlingham’s Clay brothers, Jonah and Noah, to stretch the defence. Lucas Bibb kept Staines under constant pressure and youngsters Raphael Fudge and Tom Worrall kept the engine room fired up.

Despite dominating possession and territory in the rain, Staines' scramble defence kept the visitors to just two well struck penalties by influential fly-half Olly Wilson.

The game turned wildly on its head in a frantic end to the half. A disallowed try for Warlingham seemed to herald a series of quick-fire assaults down Warlingham’s right flank with Staines tricky winger Jono Sandilands scoring a brace and assisting a third for Staines. Sandwiched between the tries was a harsh yellow card to Barnett as he competed for a restart. 17-6 at the break flattered the hosts with Warlingham showing they were more than capable of bouncing back.

Staines, however, were in no mood to yield this game and immediately started the second half with a try from close range with a long looping pass, again to their left flank.

Back to a full complement of players, the Wars settled down and started to march back up to the Staines line. The game became fractious and tetchy but evergreen prop Simon Townsend came close to the line from a powerful driving maul. Elliott Jones and Oliver Gill came into the game in both attack and defence with Alex Glover pulling the strings at scrum half. Terrell Palmer-Simpson, Cam Sharp and Fabio Monsellato-Boyd challenged the defence with their dancing feet. The Wars came closest to a try when Wilson attempted to put Barnett through a gap with a delayed short ball. Barnett seemed to be tackled before he received the pass but the opportunity passed and so did Warlingham’s hopes on the day.

Staines finished the game strongly with two late tries to put the cherry on top of a sweet victory for them. Warlingham ended the game with 14 as Wilson saw yellow for a high tackle.

Warlingham will look to get back to winning ways with a Counties 4 Surrey league game against neighbours Reigate at Hamsey Green this weekend. The next Surrey Cup game will be against Law Society on 18th April.

All photos: Hayley Sasserath
See more here: Instagram