Warlingham won the battle for local pride with a 30-15 victory at Purley John Fisher in London Two South-East last weekend, writes Peter Upton.

With Purley a man down for more than half of the game, Warlingham’s pleasure at running in five tries was tinged by a hint of frustration.

Head coach Steve Wagstaff said: “To score 30 points at Purley is a good result but, despite breaking the gain line on so many occasions, we didn’t get the final pass in.

“There is lots to learn from this game.”

Warlingham full back James Agate signalled the attacking intentions of Warlingham by running back at his opposition at every opportunity and from one of these runs a high tackle gave fly half Charlie Edwards a penalty shot which he duly converted.

Flanker Tom Street showed his class with aggressive tackling and reclaiming the loose ball with regularity.

Persistent offside by the PJF lock resulted in a yellow card.and a 20 metre blindside gallop by Mackaskill resulted in his well timed pass to winger David Stamp giving Warlingham their first try.

PJF responded with a well taken penalty by Tom O’Toole, but Warlingham struck again from a quickly taken penalty which Ollie Booth gave fellow flanker Tom Street an easy run in for a try.

A third Warlingham try was disallowed when the referee adjudged a double move over the try line. Then a controversial late tackle by Brown on his opposite number set off some player discord resulting in the PJF lock Steve Brown getting a red card and his marching orders just before half time.

After the break Warlingham re-applied pressure and a quick penalty from Edwards led to a try for winger Jon Osborne.

Purley responded with their first try when fly-half Johan Malcolm collected his own chip ahead and sprinted in to score from 40m.

A similar interception gave Warlingham centre Liam Brown, formerly of Westcombe Park RFC his first try for the club and this was followed by a piece of Neil Robson magic where he emerged from a set piece to smash through the defence and score under the posts. Edwards converted.

A final converted try by Tom Flint under the posts towards the end made the score respectable for the hosts.

Warlingham skipper Tony Williams said: “We always knew PJF would run us close, so it is good to leave with a win.”

Next Saturday Warlingham host a strong Hove RFC side when they hope to extend their unbeaten League run. Purley are away at Old Dunstonians.