2024 starts on a bad note for OWs

The match was switched from Tiffinians’ East Molesey ground to Walcountians’ Clock House ground at short notice after recent bad weather rendered the Tiffinians pitch unplayable.

Walcountians faced a torrid first half against a Tiffinians XV which dominated the set scrums, turned over possession in the contact area and stretched Walcountians’ backline across both sides of the pitch. By half-time, they had run in five tries. The Counts only threatened the Tiffinians line for a brief period towards the end of the first half; otherwise, their best performer was full-back Hal Mogridge who put in several solid tackles, repeatedly cleared his line and gave Tiffinians something to think about when he counter-attacked.

Walcountians got a crucial break in the 10th minute of the second half when No 8 Alex Skinner broke from the base of the scrum and left three Tiffinians defenders in his wake before finding in support flanker Brendan Murphy who hit the gas pedal and raced away for a spectacular try which fly-half Ross Lever converted.

Unfortunately, any hope of a turnround in their fortunes did not materialise for Walcountians. There was no lack of effort, with prop James Ford, hooker Callum Tilleray and flanker Joe Henderson putting up a fierce challenge to Tiffinians in the loose, and the scrums were looking more solid than in the first half. However, too many opportunities were squandered through poor handling, while the concession of penalties at rucks gave Tiffinians a territorial advantage that enabled them to run in three more tries in the 20th, 32nd and 38th minutes.

It was however Walcountians who had the final word in the match in the 42nd minute. A final rally pinned Tiffinians on their own line and fast-thinking prop James Ford was on hand to intercept a pass intended to launch a breakout and touch down for a try which Ross Lever converted.

Walcountians have now fallen to tenth place in the League and, although 11 points clear of the next club, cannot afford to be complacent about their chances of retaining their Counties League 1 Surrey/Sussex status. Next Saturday, they take on Kingston, one of the two clubs potentially facing the drop, in a must-win match. Kick off at Clock House, Carshalton Road, Woodmansterne is at 2pm.

Old Walcountians:- Mogridge, Stone, Fletcher-Rogers, Bateman, Togbolah, Lever, French, Ford, Tilleray, Acquah, Bell, Sanders, Henderson, Murphy, Skinner.

Subs:- Camakamma, Harris, Stoner.