Old Whitgiftians were narrow losers in a Surrey Shield match played on a rather waterlogged pitch at Motspur Park, writes Bob Schad.

Both sides rose to the conditions for the 1pm kick with Old Blues scoring a try in the opening minutes.

Rob Butcher’s penalty brought OWs back into it but they soon leaked another try after being caught out by a quick line-out.

OWs responded with several effective forward drives and Les Todd kicked their second penalty.

However, OWs then conceded an unnecessary 10m for questioning a referee’s decision, allowing Old Blues to kick a penalty and go 15-6 ahead.

The Old Blues continued to show more enterprise and skill in the second half, with OWs defending ruggedly.

Wing Quintin Keanie went close when he skilfully caught a well-placed kick ahead, but he was tackled short of the line.

Then Peter Watts broke on the blind side, drew his man and provided Keanie with a well-timed pass to score. Les Todd converted, but Old Blues’ defence then held out a final OWs onslaught to emerge as worthy winners.