Although Reeds Weybridge played with huge determination and ambition, they were in defensive mode for much of Saturday’s Surrey Four clash with Old Whitgiftians.

They did that with some style as well, none better at that than the fiery scrum half Ricky Wilson, anybody on the receiving end of his powerful, all enveloping tackles, would recall the moment for the remainder of the day.

That first half territorial advantage enjoyed by Whitgiftians was bound to bring points, initially just six from two penalties but two tries as well, as Reeds cover was stretched too far.

It would have been more but for the defensive work from Reeds midfield defence of Mat Cross and Barney Goodenough, their commitment as they banged in show stopping tackles kept Reeds in the game.

Reeds were not out of it by the change round, they collected a penalty of their own and a splendid try.

It came from centre Barney Goodenough, he manufactured a try out of nothing, sidestepping his way through the defence from 30m out.

Although Reeds were ten points adrift and had the elements in their favour, they just couldn’t get their hands on the ball from the set pieces.

Scrum-half Ricky Wilson Reeds made some rampaging runs, but they were from scrums going backwards.

Reeds’ best chances came from the loose rucks and mauls.

It was from here that Wilson grabbed Reeds’ second try. Initially it didn’t look possible as the maul had stopped, but then Wilson fired off the back of the maul and bashed his way over.

But that Whitgiftian possession continued to rack up the points.

Reeds continued to press, often from deep in their own half when their pacy full back Jon Don Carolis ran everything he received causing all sorts of problems for the Whitgiftian defence.

However, possession means points and it was the visitors who finally ran out convincing winners in a game splendidly refereed by the up and coming Mark Francis.