A tough looking scoreboard that in no means reflected the grit, effort and fight that Warlingham committed to the cause, writes David Halliwell.

On a sodden playing surface that was touch and go right until kick off, Warlingham were forced to adapt from the first minute with winger Cam Sharp suffering a bad head knock in making a brave low tackle on the hosts fullback. We all wish Cam the best with his recovery.

Warlingham would need to shuffle their pack, not for the only time, and Cranleigh showed why they are strongly challenging for the league title, building momentum and capitalising on opportunities to keep the score ticking over with ruthlessness. The home side had momentum but the Wars were in the fight up front with Tom Worrall and Simon Townsend getting through the attritional work and competing for every ball. Spencer Clifford gave Wars' go forward in the pack before helping the side in covering in an unfamiliar wing position as the match progressed. Fabio Monsellato-Boyd gave every last bit of energy in the centres and Jackson Stevens continues his growth into a very fine scrum half and his monster left boot gave Warl much much needed metres and relief.

Once Warlingham got going, they were arguably the better side in the second half, led by tireless and effective carries from player of the match Elliott Jones. The hooker never shirked his task and challenged Cranleigh around the fringes with forceful picks from the ruck. Jones' example was followed by huge carries from returning skipper Morgan Gillam, young lock Raphael Fudge and the towering force of Joe Kelly. With Olly Gill driving Cranleigh backwards in the tackle and Harry Cave putting in a phenomenal shift in, Wars started to camp in the Cranleigh half and build phases. A big shot and turnover from fly-half Olly Wilson symbolised the visitor's never-say-die attitude while Roy Hart's evasiveness and skill were a threat every time he touched the ball. A Hart break saw slick hands down the line to Jonah Clay who was so close to finishing in the corner but last ditch scramble defence defied the winger. Mark Chatfield continued to test Cranleigh with his footwork and dynamic running until the last whistle. A huge mention to Darren Gwynn on his Warlingham 1st XV debut, his experience and power really made an impact around the park. Olly Meadows' cameo appearance from the bench before succumbing to a bang on the nose should also not go unmentioned.

This group of men gave everything they had and, following a short sojourn to Paris to face Stade Francais Old Hirelings this weekend, return for three home matches to finish the season. Give them your support in the coming weeks ahead.

All photos: Hayley Sasserath
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