The Counts found it a struggle to field a full team and took the field with flankers Joe Henderson and Brendan Murphy occupying the half-back positions and with only two replacements available, including veteran prop Dan Bell. They then made the worst possible start as Blues took the lead in the opening two minutes with a converted try.
Walcountians however made a vigorous response with the pack aggressively attacking the set pieces and rucks, with skipper Callum Tilleray and No8 Olly Sanders leading the way with several thunderous ball carries upfield. Makeshift scrum-half Brendan Murphy also proved a handful for the Blues defence with his speed and elusiveness and, in the 11th minute, got the Counts back in the game with a brilliant solo try in which he eluded three attempted tackles after being set up by centre Spencer Moorhead. Olly Sanders, who had never been used as a kicker before, added the first of three conversions.
Although Blues regained the lead in the 15th minute through a penalty from full-back Alan Nichols, it was Walcountians who dominated play, and they were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Spencer Moorhead cleverly dribbled the ball forward and set up an opportunity for fellow centre Andy Togbolah to score a try, which gave the Counts a half-time lead.
Walcountians wasted little time in increasing their lead in the second half when flanker Scott Stevens dived over for a try from a ruck on the Blues line after just three minutes of the restart. However, the prospect of an easy win began to recede as Blues started to rally in the second half. Centre Alex Satterfield narrowed the Counts lead in the 11th minute after scrum-half Alex Heath set him up after taking a quick tap penalty and, as full-time approached, Walcountians’ lead began to look precarious after Blues full-back Alan Nichols crossed for a try after the Blues threequarters stretched open a Walcountians defence which had been reduced in numbers following the sin-binnings of Joe Henderson and Brendan Murphy.
Walcountians made one last rally which saw them get the critical score to ensure victory. In the last minute of normal time, Joe Hendeson saw that the left flank of Blues defence was unguarded and flighted a diagonal kick which Andy Togbolah ran onto to touch down for his second try of the day. It was to prove invaluable as Blues ran in one more try four minutes into stoppage time and were only denied victory by a failed conversion attempt.
This win has moved Walcountians up to eighth in Counties League 2 Surrey. Next Saturday, they travel to Purley John Fisher for another critical clash which could decide which team is relegated at the end of the season. Kick-off at Parsons Pightle, Old Coulsdon is at 2pm. After the match, the Counts will be returning to their Clock House headquarters for their pre-Christmas social.
New players are welcome to join Old Walcountians and should contact the following officials:-
• Warren Aston (Chairman) at chairman@oldwalcountiansrfc.com;
• Neil Pemberton (Secretary) at clubsecretary@oldwalcountiansrfc.com; or
• Remy Claustres (Club Captain) at clubcaptain@oldwalcountiansrfc.com.
Old Walcountians:- Fletcher-Rogers, Stoner, Moorhead, Togbolah, Harrison, Henderson, Murphy, Tilleray, Blackmore, Beeson, Lawrence, Thomas, Stevens, Camakamma, Sanders.
Subs:- Bell, Robinson.