Wimbledon were pipped 10-3 in the first league match to be held at their Barham Road ground by Cobham on Friday evening.

Despite the wind and rain, a large crowd turned out to watch a match fierce in commitment.

Wimbledon spent the entire first half in their own half defending with crunching tackles stopping the abundant possession gained by the visitors.

Their effort nearly paid off - it took 35 minutes of play before the first score, although Cobham had earlier missed a kick within range of the goal.

A score wide out on the right by Cobham’s number six Alex Cook could not be converted but the second try right at the end of the half as the ball was moved quickly down the Cobham threequarters led to a score in the corner by wing Chris Moreton.

Again no conversion could be made and a half time score of 10-0 to the visitors was a fair reflection but not out of reach for Wimbledon.

With Cobham facing the wind, they soon, in less than a minute, conceded a penalty which Wimbledon’s Jonny Rawlinson turned into three points.

It was not to be, Cobham’s defence for the next 39 minutes was as good as Wimbledon’s had been for the first 35 minutes and no further scores were made.

On a night when players catching the ball had to look up into a rainy night sky and kickers work the ball into a strong wind the game was a wonderful exhibition of how local derbies, even when neither side is seeking promotion or avoiding relegation, can be played. All credit to the players and referee who was on exchange from Devon.

Next Saturday Wimbledon will play their next League match away against fifth placed Chichester.