In testing, heavy conditions on a sodden home pitch, Warlingham U14s put in a brave and committed performance against a strong Beccehamians side from Kent, eventually falling to a 5-12 defeat but earning huge credit for their never-say-die attitude, writes coach Marc Bradbury-Smith.

Led by captain Alfie, Warlingham faced an immediate onslaught as the heavier Becs pack dominated the early exchanges. For the first 15 minutes, the home side was pinned deep in their own 22, absorbing wave after wave of forward carries from the visitors. The Warlingham defence stood firm, however, with some outstanding tackling and ferocious work at the breakdown preventing Becs from crossing the whitewash. The young Warlies showed real heart and organisation to hold out against a physically imposing Kent outfit.

Gradually, Warlingham began to turn the tide. Strong carries from Seb, Fish, and George started to gain vital yards, and the team fought hard in the rucks to win possession and clear their lines. Building momentum, they worked their way upfield and earned a scrum in the Becs’ 22.

From the set-piece, Warlingham produced a solid scrum, providing a perfect platform. The backs executed a well-worked move, featuring an impressive switch in the running lines that sliced open the visitors' defence. Hartly spotted the space, attacked at pace, and crossed for the opening try. Jacob struck a good conversion attempt, but it drifted just wide in the difficult conditions. Warlingham led 5-0 - a deserved reward for their resilience.

Becs responded strongly, keeping the game tight through their forwards. Despite more excellent Warlingham defence, the visitors edged closer and, from a pick-and-go close to the line (just 5 yards out), powered over to level the scores at 5-5. The conversion attempt failed.

As the game wore on, the heavy mud took its toll. Warlingham's defence, heroic for so long, began to tire in the closing stages. Becs capitalised with a late try, this time adding the conversion to secure a 5-12 victory.

This was a match where Warlingham were missing several key players and others had to step up in unfamiliar positions. Despite the result, the team did themselves proud, showing character, commitment, and quality in patches against a tough opponent. They fought to the final whistle and can hold their heads high.

A tough day on a quagmire pitch, but plenty of positives to build on for the Warlingham U14s.