Warlingham delivered a clinical attacking display to make a strong statement in their opening home league match of the season against Woking, writes David Halliwell. Intensity, accuracy and sheer will to win gave the blue and whites a 15 try win and a crucial bonus point in front of a big crowd of club stalwarts and loyal supporters at Hamsey Green.

The Wars have had some difficult times in recent years but this young side made up of 17 home grown players are starting to reap the rewards of their efforts and endeavours.

Warlingham wasted no time in settling back onto home turf when ball-playing forward Tom Worrall slipped a deft inside ball to Olly Wilson, the powerful inside centre raced in to open the scoring. Shortly after, Wilson claimed an attacking high kick and offloaded out of contact to his classy centre partner Moses Bisatu who beat three defenders with a mazy run from 40 metres to score.

Woking were robust and showed resilience throughout, full credit to their spirit and fight. However the visitors caught Warlingham on a very good day with a performance that has been bubbling for a while. After a brief spell of Woking possession, the floodgates opened for the Wars. First fullback Eric Sims raced over for a try out wide with a dummy and swagger. Then robust flanker Andrew Dearden plunged over from a driving maul after great work in the tight by mighty props Tom Worrall and Mark Stevenson.

Raging bull Matt Barnett, off the bench early, grabbed the first of his hat-trick tries exploiting space out wide for a clear run in on the right flank. Playmaker Louis Rossi-Jones got a try reward for all his creative play for others, tapping quickly and winding his way under the posts. Bisatu grabbed his second try, adding the dynamism and drive to a well executed handling move to glide in.

This was not just a demonstration of attacking flair. Warlingham brought determined defence exemplified by man of the match number eight Riley Potter. This pressure on Woking led to wily winger Noah Clay snaffling an interception, plucking the looping pass out of the air and sprinting under the posts.

The try of the day was a heartbreaker for Woking but underlined Warlingham’s ruthlessness. Direct running took Woking to the try line only to be denied by Wars’ committed scrambling defence. Turnover ball saw Warlingham attack from behind their own try line with slick hands from Rossi-Jones, Sims, Harrison Thompson and live wire scrum half Jackson Stevens running the length of the field with Barnett on the end of a delicious pass to add his second as the half closed.

Warlingham’s momentum continued straight after the break with Sam Fawke freshly on the field to pose a threat with his pace and evasion to score. Young scrum half Tavis Emery injected energy and guile with fearsome tackling on much bigger players. Imposing second row and skipper Morgan Gillam latched on to a flamboyant one handed pass from Barnett to get his name on the scoresheet. Matt Healey produced a classy assist with a gem of a pass to young flyer Harrison Thompson who’s dangerous running game deserved a try for his efforts. Talismanic back row Jamie Hughes ran the ball back straight from the kick off going round and through defenders to tumble over the line. Tireless second-row Harry Cave bundled his way over from close range after great work from Spencer Clifford.

Matt Barnett completed his hat trick and the day’s try scoring running onto a short ball at pace before dotting down. With Rossi-Jones hitting nine conversions before taking a well deserved rest, Wilson added to his two late conversions to stroke the ball over and complete Warlingham’s century to a huge cheer from the supporters gathered on the touchline and the final whistle.

A great performance for the Warlingham supporters to witness and celebrate. While it is still early days in the season with lots to work on, the promise and potential is there for Warlingham to thrive this season.

All photos: Hayley Sasserath

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