Streatham-Croydon’s Surrey RFU Bowl semi-final date with Merton has been confirmed for Wednesday 29th April, kick-off at 7.30pm, writes Owen Jones.

The venue is Sutton and Epsom’s ground on Rugby Lane in Cheam, as neither Streatham or Merton have adequate floodlighting to stage the game.

Although originally drawn as a home game for Streatham-Croydon on the 25th April, a pre-agreed Surrey RFU sanctioned tour by Merton to Yorkshire meant that the fixture was moved to the 18th.

However, no-one told Streatham-Croydon about this arrangement, with the Streatham Sevens Tournament moved from the 25th to the 18th, with Rugby League tenants South London Storm also inconvenienced.

With both clubs unwilling to play the semi-final less than 24 hours before the final on Sunday May 3rd, Streatham were forced to forfeit a lucrative home fixture to play under lights.

With only four days turnaround before the final against either Mitcham or Old Blues both teams will be hoping to avoid extra-time.

Indeed, Merton will not be long home from touring the Yorkshire Riviera.

Streatham captain Ben Alsop preferred not to dwell on the timing of the match.

“We’ve been training hard for this game and are looking forward to it. It's 1-1 between us and Merton, which just shows the inconsistency both teams have had this season.

"It will come down to who performs on the night, and I think it will come down to strength of character in the end. We’ve just got to make sure we are focussed for the whole 80 minutes."

Streatham’s pack has grown in stature over the season, with Alsop, Patrik Kowalski, Lynton Brinck and Gavin Calloo all having a good season.

But coach Doug Murray praised the team ethic of the club rather than focussing on individuals.

“There has been great team spirit shown by the players this season. The squad for the semi have been pushed hard by all the players in the club.

"It means training is more intense, and players need to prove themselves every time they step on to the park.

“We’ve come so far in this competition because we were involved in the National Vase until the fifth round, when we had to rely on our reserve team players to help us through an injury crisis.

"It means every player in the club can feel part of this game.”

*The semi-final will be held on Wednesday 29th April at Sutton & Epsom RFC, tel. 020 8642 0280. The final is a 12.00pm kick-off at Imber Court, Ember Lane, East Molesey on Sunday 3rd May, Tel. 020 8398 1267.