Merton 10 Old Cranleighans 47

Merton's fine unbeaten run in Surrey Three came to a juddering halt on Saturday, when they were comprehensively defeated by top of the table Old Cranleighans, which accentuated the gulf between first and fourth place in the League.

The Morden Rec outfit were fortunate that Jimmy Sowersby declared himself fit to play late on Friday, as they faced the prospect of going into the match without a recognised hooker in their line-up. Skipper Chuck Sanger also returned to the side after missing last weekend's game through illness.

The hosts started the match in excellent form, pinning the OCs back and almost opening the scoring with an excellent move in the threequarters that saw Jason Newell just being denied a try. They earned themselves a penalty chance soon after, Mike Garnett being on hand to slot the kick to open the scoring.

This advantage did not last long, however, the visitors ominously scoring from their first serious attack, when their fullback clung on to a speculative pass inside to go over the whitewash.

Matters went from bad to worse for Merton when the OCs added two further converted tries, both of which were fairly straightforward and far too easy for the Thames Ditton based side.

Just when it looked like the visitors would be out of sight before half-time, the home side produced the move of the match, Christo Swanepoel combining with Newell to send full-back Tom Wood galloping over the line for a superb try.

After a few stern words from Head Coach Dave Burford at the break, Merton were determined to get back into the match, however, within minutes they had shot themselves in the foot again and the OCs slid up the blindside for another try. Despite enjoying a lot of possession, the hosts just could not add to their tally, and it appeared that each time the visitors got into the Merton 22, they scored a try, moving out of sight well before the end of the match.

Merton travel to play Woking this Saturday, and hope to be boosted by the welcome return of Garth Hume to the squad, who should be joined by Ed Crawford, Dan Somerset and Ashley Grainger, all missing from this week's match.

For more information about Merton Rugby Club, call Jack on 07970 166958.