Flying winger Funsho Ajayi scored two tries as the ‘Mighty Warl’ outclassed Trojans RFC to secure a bonus point victory and avenge their opening day defeat on the coast.

A large crowd gathered at Hamsey Green for Warlingham’s penultimate London 3 South-West fixture, and they were treated to a fabulous afternoon of running rugby. The ‘Mighty Warl’ HQ looked better than ever after recent investment in new pitch fencing and landscaping. In glorious sun it was the perfect stage for a battle against 4th placed opposition.

The hosts were quick out the blocks and it seemed their dangerous backline could be in for an easy afternoon, with Joe McEvoy, David Priest and fullback Callum Wand enjoying clean line breaks in the opening 10minutes. However, poor execution in simple 2on1 situations resulted in the ball either being knocked on or turned over, allowing Trojans to clear their lines.

Winger George Davis enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening exchanges, and made a couple of strong runs down the right-hand side. Pressure finally told on Trojans and they were penalised for off-side at the breakdown. McEvoy, one of the most consistent goal kickers in the league, made no mistake from his opening shot to give the host a deserved lead, 3-0.

The returning Jonathan Fox, playing at No8, was making a nuisance of himself in defence and attack. He aggressively drove his opposite man into touch to put his side on the offensive. From 22 yards out, a clean take at the lineout from the Warly pack laid the foundation for one of their barnstorming catch and drives. Trojans had no answer to Warlingham’s power and work rate, the forwards marching over the line for the opening try. Veteran hooker Rory Kavanagh taking the plaudits, 8-0.

Trojans responded immediately. A good break from their full-back put Warlingham on the back-foot for the first time in the match. Quickly recycled ball and precise passing allowed Trojans to dive in near the right-hand post for a converted try, 8-7.

The reliable McEvoy replied with two quick-fire penalties for the home-side, 14-7. Warlingham, roared on by their vocal supporters, were starting to build momentum. From a turnover on the halfway line, McEvoy’s accurate pass found youngster Kieran Rickell wide left. Rickell’s well-timed pass allowed Wand to break clear and display dazzling footwork, only to be tackled 10 yards out. Wand managed to offload to the supporting Ajayi who showed great acceleration to beat the covering defence to go in under the posts. McEvoy with a simple kick to extend the home side’s lead on the stroke of half-time, 21-7.

Playing down the hill, Trojans started the 2nd half brightly. A penalty try was awarded when a last ditch tackle from Davis was deemed high by the referee. The Warly right winger given 10 minutes in the sin-bin for his efforts, 21-14.

Down to 14 men temporally, Warlingham showed great character and heart to dominate possession during the 10 minute period. Lock Alex Wingfield was unlucky not to score in the left corner after a powerful break from 20 yards out.

From a catch drive, the Warly forwards gained good field position inside the Trojans 22. A delicious Rickell pass found Ajayi on the left touchline. Ajayi beat the opposition for pace to dive in the corner for an important score at a crucial time in the match. Conversion attempt wide on this occasion, 26-14.

Warlingham were enjoying large amounts of possession. A great 30 yard break from Rickell saw him stopped just short of the try line. The ball was recycled quickly to the on rushing James Delderfield to shrug off two players on his way over the line. A try bonus point achieved for the second consecutive week. The difficult conversion attempt just wide, 31-14.

Warlingham’s 5th try was the best of them all. A slick counter-attack, masterminded by Ajayi and Rickell, created a clear break for the line from 40 yards out. With the Warly crowd and management on their feet and willing him on, the impressive Rickell showed composure to pass inside to the supporting Wand, and the grateful fullback glided in near the uprights for an excellent try. McEvoy with the simple extras to take his personally tally for the afternoon to 13 points, 38-14.

The visitors looked shell-shocked however responded brilliantly with a crazy 5 minutes of attacking rugby. The Trojans backline scored three highly entertaining tries to restore credibility and secure them a losing and try bonus point, 38-35.

It was mixed emotions at full-time for Warlingham Director of Rugby, Nick Warren. “I’m absolutely delighted to get the win and try bonus point” “The 5th try was something special and a sign we are building a very dangerous backline”. “However, to concede 3 tries so late in the game and give the opposition a couple of bonus points is extremely disappointing”.

Warlingham welcome already crowned league champions, Old Cranleighans to Hamsey Green on Saturday for the final match of the 2017/2018 season. The Warlingham 2nd XV also at home in action to local rivals Purley John Fisher in an important cup semi-final.