Merton entertained higher League opposition in Old Emanuel last Saturday, in what had been previously agreed to be a training game for both 1st and 2nd XVs.

The visitors, however, turned up with only their 1st XV squad, therefore, there were times when the Morden Rec outfit’s second string were up against a side playing a good few Leagues above them.

During the first quarter, Merton’s 1st XV competed very well, excellent tries from James Rice and Jake Bailey edging the hosts in front on two occasions, but OEs hitting back with two tries of their own to lead 14-12.

In the second and third quarters, with the home side giving their 2nd XV squad a run out, the visitors managed to cross for three tries to edge ahead.

With Merton restoring their 1st XV to the park in the final quarter, they looked a more formidable prospect, Mike Reid taking advantage of a scoring pass from Shaun Reynolds to just make the line, before a soft try conceded shifted the onus back on OEs. It was the hosts, however, that had the final say, great forward play carrying them up to the line for no.8 Neil Quinn to dive over for a deserved score.

Unfortunately, the planned format was not adhered to, and Merton did not get out quite as much from this fixture as they would have expected. Even more, they suffered a catastrophic blow when promising fly-half James Rice fractured his ankle, and they also lost Jimmy McLoughlin, Tim Rossiter and Gareth Bench to injury.

This Saturday Merton entertain Old Tonbridgians at Morden Rec.

Merton are always looking for new players, of all standards, to join them and play for one of their three XVs.

The main training night is Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm, under floodlights, at Morden Recreation Ground, Faversham Road, SM4 6RE.

For more information, call Jack on 07970 166958 or go via the website www.mertonrugby.org