Warlingham targeted this game as one which they could record their first league win but the bigger Andover pack had other thoughts and the home side finished with just the two bonus points. An early try-saving tackle from full back Brad Kearney kept the visitors at bay but an early injury to hooker,Craig Kelly gave Andover the edge in the scrum. From several phases they scored their first unconverted try. A swirling wind
made for several handling errors and Warlingham forced a penalty which Jack Atkinson converted. A line-breaking run from centre David Priest ended with winger George Davis scoring Warlingham’s first try to take the lead. Not to be outdone Andover’s marauding pack gained the ascendancy and try number two ensued. A brisk run from centre Adam Downie-Keen looked promising but he was bundled into touch. Stout defence from the home side meant no further score before the half time whistle

After the turn round Andover settled and put several phases of play together and Warlingham were stretched. The visitors scored three unanswered tries and the result looked to be in the bag. However, Warlingham woke up and fought back. Atkinson scored two excellent tries converted by full back Brad Kearney bringing them back to just a one score deficit and, with their tails up, the home side were rampaging. Andover doused any thoughts of a home win with their sixth try but, battling to the end, Warlingham scored their fourth, bonus point try by Davis and a frenetic final ten minutes got the spectators anticipating a first league win. But there was to be no fairy tale ending and Warlingham just failed to claw their way back into the lead as the final whistle blew. After the game Warlingham’s Director of Rugby, Nick Warren commented, “We desperately wanted to win this game and the lads showed they can expend their game and score great tries. But we need to be focussed for the full 80 minutes to get a result.”
Warlingham: Nunn,Kelly, Townsend, Warman, Curtis, Bench, Dowling, Fox, Sampson, Glover, Skinner (captain), Priest, Downie-Keen, Atkinson, Davis, Mamode, Kavanagh, Kearney.
Next saturday Warlibngham are away to Effingham & Leatherhead RFC and their final league match is on 8th April at Hamsey Green against Old Tonbridgians.