A strong Warlingham RFC squad travelled to winless Old Tiffinians full of optimism, however left East Moseley empty handed and a lesson in execution, despite a dominant and powerful performance.
The immaculate Old Tiffs playing surface was the perfect stage for an afternoon of free-flowing rugby. Warly started brightly however were unlucky when a move in midfield was judged as crossing and a penalty was awarded. The Old Tiffs kicker dispatched with ease to give the home side an early lead.
Jack Atkinson was quick to respond for Warlingham with a well struck penalty to level the scores at 3-3. Warly were again on the scoresheet when powerful and mobile prop, Alex Kelly, bundle over in the right-hand corner. Atkinson with a lovely conversion from wide-out to add the extras.
Leading 10-3 after 30 minutes, the heavier Warly pack started to assert their dominance with bullocking runs from Connor McDonald, George Bench and Hooker, Jon Fox. Old Tiffs showed great resilience in defence to prevent Warlingham from extending their lead, and must have felt very lucky when an Atkinson penalty was surprisingly ruled out by the referee, despite both touch judges raising their flags.
After another Atkinson penalty attempt was pushed wide, Old Tiffs replied with two, pinpoint penalties of their own to reduce the deficit to 10-9. Momentum had started to swing the home side’s way and a dominant 5 minute spell before half-time was rewarded with two, unconverted tries. The home side leading 19-10 at the break.
Old Tiffinians started the second half playing with pace and precision which stunned the away side. After a good kick to the corner, the Old Tiffs forwards executed the traditional catch and drive to increase their lead to 24-10. Conversion missed.
Warlingham played with heart and pride to get themselves back in the game. David Priest and his centre partner Nick Canty creating holes in the Old Tiffs defence. A strong catch and drive from Warly ended with No8 McDonald crashing over for a try. The conversion was missed but Atkinson did kick a penalty soon after to bring Warlingham to within 6 points, with 10 minutes left.
Unfortunately any hopes of a Warly come-back were shattered when a smart, quickly taken line-out allowed Old Tiffs to stroll in unopposed for a converted try. A late consolation try from veteran forward, James Delderfield wasn’t enough to earn the away side a losing bonus point. FT 23-31.
Despite defeat, Director of Rugby Nick Warren felt it was a better performance. “We’ve implemented a new pattern which allows our strong runners to cause problems, however we are lacking energy and precision in attack. London South-West 3 is a highly, competitive league and we need to be at our clinical best to beat sides”.

The Mighty Warl 2s enjoyed back to back league victories, and claimed local bragging rights after a hard-fought win against Purley John Fisher.

After a couple of weeks on the road, Warlingham 1stXV return to Hamsey Green this Saturday against New Milton & District in must win game. All support welcome and you can also follow us on Twitter @Mightywarl