In a match that ebbed and flowed like the Thames itself, Warlingham kept their composure to clip the Swans’ wings and secure a hard-fought 29–20 win away from home in a breathtaking season opener! Here’s Mens Seniors Head Coach, Tom Street with his report.

FINAL SCORE
Staines 20-29 Warlingham

The opening league fixture of the season saw Warlingham face Staines in what promised to be a crucial encounter, even this early in the campaign. Both sides are in rebuilding phases, eager to climb the league ladder, and the sense of anticipation was clear as supporters gathered for what could prove to be a pivotal result come season’s end.

Staines entered the game full of confidence after a strong pre-season of high-scoring friendlies, while Warlingham had been improving steadily with each outing. From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were up for the challenge.

Warlingham made an excellent start, asserting dominance early with strong carries that pushed them deep into the Staines half. Sustained pressure from the forwards (led superbly by captain Morgan Gillam) eventually broke the deadlock. A powerful carry from Andrew Dearden near the line set up a smart offload to Terell Palmer-Simpson, who crossed for the opening try. The swirling wind made the conversion attempt from the sideline near impossible for Louis Rossi-Jones, but Warlingham had their deserved lead.

The momentum stayed with the visitors as fly-half Rossi-Jones, who controlled the game brilliantly throughout, produced a superb break before offloading to the tireless Lucas Bibb, who dotted down under the posts. Rossi-Jones added the extras to make it 12–0, and the Staines crowd fell quiet as Warlingham’s intensity in defence, highlighted by big hits from Matt Barnett and Moses Bisatu, kept the home side pinned back.

However, a string of penalties and a few poor decisions allowed Staines to gain a foothold. A quick tap caught Warlingham off guard, and the hosts crossed to narrow the gap. Soon after, Raphael Fudge thought he’d scored his first senior try after another dominant carrying set, but the referee disallowed it. The half ended with Warlingham ahead 12–5.

After the break, Warlingham continued to pressure the Staines defence. Rossi-Jones’ sharp passing and control continued to test their line, but against the run of play, Staines capitalised on a scrum near the 22. Their number eight broke free, and a fortunate offload led to a fly-hack and score in the corner, closing the gap to 12–10 after the missed conversion.

Staines then enjoyed a strong spell of possession, testing Warlingham’s defence, but crucial turnovers and jackals swung momentum back the visitors’ way. A penalty in front of the posts gave Rossi-Jones a chance to extend the lead, and he made no mistake, striking the ball cleanly for a 15–10 advantage.

Warlingham continued to press, and after a series of close-range carries, Ollie Wilson showed his strength to bump off two defenders and crash over under the posts. Rossi-Jones converted to make it 22–10.

Staines refused to fold, hitting back with another well-taken try to make it 22–15 and set up a tense finale. But Warlingham held their nerve. A beautifully timed left-hand pass from captain Morgan sent Jonah Clay over in the corner for a debut try, a proud moment for both the club and the Clay family. The conversion stretched the lead to 29–15.

To their credit, Staines showed real determination to score again in the final play, closing the gap to 29–20, but the missed conversion meant Warlingham took maximum points.

It was an outstanding contest played in challenging, windy conditions; a credit to both sides. The return fixture at Warlingham promises to be a cracker if this game is anything to go by.

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Louis Rossi-Jones - for an exceptional all-round performance and outstanding game management.

All photos: Hayley Sasserath
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