Warriors’ fall short in Warlingham reverse......

19th January 2008

By Matt Aristizabal

As the season’s run-in begins, London South Africa was looking to use this week’s home fixture against title contenders Warlingham to cement their place at the top of the league but it was not to be. With both teams looking evenly matched, it was set to be a great competition in South London as the teams took the field. The away side drew first blood with a penalty, but Matt Fendick tied up the scores with a penalty in front of the posts. The Warriors were pegged back a minute later by another well taken kick after slowing the ball down, and the penalty exchange continued when a deliberate obstruction brought a penalty into Fendick’s kicking range and he duly delivered. Things did not stay even long as errors in their own half were beginning to cost the home side as Warlingham made another well taken kick to make it 9-6. LSA continued to advance, and looked as if they were finding their feet in the match when a good passage of play allowed Chris Jones to end up on the bottom of a pile the right side of the line, and Fendick’s 100% kicking record continued as he got the extras. There was no more significant action in the half as it finished 13-9, but the Warriors looked the better.

Both teams started the second half brightly, with neither gaining the upper hand but another Fendick penalty put LSA in pole position. There were some individual flashes of class but unfortunately these were matched by too many individual errors that inevitably allowed Warlingham back in the game. After working the ball across the field well, the away side found an overlap and used it well to score and draw themselves level. Gary Johnson was toiling hard on the wing to make something happen, but the LSA defence looked tired as the opposition’s number 13 broke the line to re-take the lead. The home side looked rusty, having only had one game since before Christmas, and Warlingham capitalised as they again found the overlap. As the conversion was missed the Warriors still had a glimmer of hope and showed some spirit by going on the attack but it was to no avail, and Warlingham took advantage by scoring a late try after the home side had left themselves exposed. It finished 33-16, and this result means that the exiles have it all to do.

Next week sees the Trojan’s visit Imber Court for a no doubt eagerly anticipated return leg, where London South Africa will be looking to avenge their early season defeat and regain some form. Visit www.londonsouthafricrfc.co.uk for more details.