HASLEMERE 5, WANDSWORTHIANS 5

HASLEMERE were hoping to pull away from the lower reaches of Surrey 4, but had to dig deep to salvage a draw against an improving Old Wandsworthians side at a wet and windy Woolmer Hill.

Both teams struggled to retain the ball in open play, but Haslemere seemed to be winning the territorial battle. Loose forwards Chad White and Charlie Butterworth had a lot of momentum in and around the rucks, while George Dyer, covering for injured captain Barthez at hooker, used his strength and elusive running to punch holes in the Wandsworth defence.

Despite Haslemere’s dominance, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play with an unconverted try.

’Mere fought back with strong running from debutants Jamie West and Mike Harvey, but were unable to cross the line in the first half. The Londoners made it difficult for Haslemere in and around the breakdown, with their influential scrum-half able to disrupt and turn the ball over at key moments.

The second half found Haslemere still on top territorially, but still failing to turn pressure into points. Their frustration increased when they lost Fowler to the sin-bin.

Wandsworthians, meanwhile, were unable to capitalise on their good work in the scrums and lineouts, with Max Stuart and Jim Blatherwick putting in some crunching tackles.

A rib injury to Ben Stephenson forced Haslemere to shuffle their pack and they called up two of the old guard, Sam Powell and Chris McGrory.

Deep into the second half, Haslemere knew they had to raise the intensity if they were to get something from the game. A quick tap penalty put Wandsworthians on the back foot and, with ten minutes to go, Haslemere won a scrum in the opposing 22.

From this, Neil Moseley was able to release JP McCumisky who, with Powell adding some extra drive to his charge, powered over the line to level the scores at 5-5.

Kicking against the wind, Dyer narrowly missed the long conversion.

Haslemere were disappointed not to win, but their determination not to lose was a good sign and with a promising mix of experience and youth in the side, they will look to have a strong second half to the season.

Any players wishing to get involved at Haslemere RGC can contact coach Max Stuart on 07795 694600 or visit the website at www.haslemererugby .co.uk