Old Wimbledonians, in an entertaining match enjoyed by both sets of spectators, outlasted the strong display from the visitors and moved up the table to fifth position in London South West Three, writes Kevin Donovan.

Scoring three tries to one was a great reward for the sterling efforts put in after skipper Matt Jones had to be replaced midway through the second half.

With the strong sun behind them OWs immediately entered the opposition half but Winchester ran out of defence to the home 22. The two no.6s found themselves off for 10 minutes after an early fracas but OWs returned upfield with some deft handling which, when pulled back for a ruck, gave centre Charlie Mowat the chance to sell a dummy and run in for a 30-metre try which Jones converted.

Stand-off Alex Horley maintained the pressure and combined a good attack with hooker Nick Caplin to win a penalty from Jones when Winchester went offside. But Winchester, after some good defence work, broke clear to put OWs under pressure, getting reward when a forward drive took the hooker over for a converted try.

A fine move from Jamie Bull and Horley set off the second half but it foundered just short of the line. A penalty was won from the succeeding scrum and Jones claimed three more points. The attacks were maintained for the next few minutes but Winchester defended well until reversing the position which needed some great OW tackling at the other end to keep the line clear. However with the retirement of Jones which required positional changes the OWs were caught on the hop when the visitors' flyhalf dived over to score from a short penalty.

The OW pack had struggled manfully to hold their own against a bigger combination but the work began to pay dividends both in the drives and lineouts. Good possession gave the backs opportunities to run or kick-and-chase deep into Winchester's 22 and the one-point lead was clinically extended with three tries, firstly from a driving maul which Dave Crellin touched down, then a sharp penalty which Dave Russell ran in and finally a strong move the length of the field which was capped by a curving run from fullback Marcus Ray. All conversions were unsuccessful but the victory margin was well deserved.

There is a local derby on Saturday when Wimbledonians visit Motspur Park to take up the league meeting with KCS Old Boys who are currently in sixth position. Should be fun.