While the scoreline may have flattered the hosts and the bounce of the ball definitely favoured Old Emanuel, the Wars will need to quickly lick their wounds as the business end of the season comes into view.

With the game moved to Cobham due to waterlogged pitches, the dry paddock helped Emanuel race into a 21 - 0 lead in no time as kicks into the back field bounced awkwardly back into the home side’s hands for them to score with clinical efficiency.

Once Warlingham got into their groove, they looked a different team. Effective kick chase from Cam Sharp, Jonah Clay and man of the match Mark Chatfield forced the visitors into good field position. And with forward momentum provided by Matt Healey, Olly Gill and Simon Townsend, alongside powerful running from Moses Bisatu and Lucas Kewell, and some clever lines from Noah Clay, Warlingham broke their duck. Skipper Morgan Gillam, with a captain’s knock, came through to score not once, but twice with customary dynamic carries close to the line, one converted, one narrowly missed.

The Wars were on top as the second half approached. Harry Cave, Raphael Fudge and Spencer Clifford were industrious and gave scrum-half Jackson Stevens clean ball to challenge the OEs defence. Against the run of play, Emanuel kicked a penalty to send them into the break 25-12 up but Warlingham had shown enough to suggest a tight second half would ensue.

Unfortunately, the Wars would not trouble the scorers again while Emanuel, with a heavy and well organised pack, used their rolling maul from the line out to good effect first securing the try bonus point and then extending their lead out of sight.

Warlingham persevered with young Tom Worrall adding spirit and energy to the forward effort, Terrell Palmer-Simpson making an impact on the wing and Elliott Jones and Tom Gowers getting stuck into the hard yards. Ollie Wilson schemed from fly half, breaking the line with the ball, and smashing into big runners in defence. Despite the effort, the Wars came up empty handed and will hope for more as they travel to Reigate this weekend.

All photos: Hayley Sasserath
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