OWs increase lead at top of Surrey League 1

Adverse weather conditions made it necessary for the fixture to be moved from Law Society’s New Malden ground to Walcountians’ Clock House pitch which was one of the few that was in playable condition. The first half was a very tight encounter between two well-matched teams and, after Law Society had taken an early lead with a try, the Counts responded with two well-taken tries by fly-half Harry Wrightson and flanker Ed Bellringer, both of which were converted by centre Ross Norton to open up a nine-point lead. Although Law Society narrowed Walcountians’ lead with a second try, the Counts went in seven points clear at the break after rangy No8 Ollie Dodwell drew the Law Society defence and put full-back Toby Bentley in for a try.

Walcountians had to play uphill and into the teeth of a gale in the second half and suffered an early blow when they lost the services of one of their most effective forwards, hooker Rob Fleming, following a multiple leg fracture. Time was lost as play was moved to an adjacent pitch to allow an air ambulance to land and evacuate the stricken hooker.

The Counts had to weather some pressure from Law Society and had a let-off after Law Society squandered a certain try as the would-be scorer dropped the ball while crossing the line. But Walcountians regained the initiative and secured a vital bonus point when Harry Wrightson opened up Law Society’s defence with a break and found flanker Joe Henderson in support to touch down in the left corner.

Walcountians are now seven points clear of closest rivals Law Society and have two League matches left to play. The only concern for the Counts is that Law Society have one game in hand and third-placed Kingston have two, and both sides could theoretically overhaul the Counts if all the results went their way.

Next Saturday, Walcountians begin their defence of the Surrey Shield when they take on Surrey League 2 opponents Old Blues. Kick-off at Clock House is at 2:30pm.

Old Walcountians:- Bentley, Murphy, Bateman, Norton, Vadivelu, Wrightson, Chmielinski, Harris, Fleming, Claustres, Thornton, Thomas, Henderson, Bellringer, Evans.

Subs:- Dodwell, Morgan, Stylianou.