Old Walcountians put their league form to one side on Saturday to see off Southsea Nomads 30-18 and proceed to the third round of the RFU Junior Vase.
Walcountians held off a fierce opening salvo from Nomads in the first 10 minutes, after which they took control.
Strong scrummaging by the pack, anchored by props Dan Bell and Steve Cowlin and excellent line-out jumping by lock Dom Bell and number eight Simon Fowler gave Walcountians the lion’s share of the ball.
The backs were willing to run the ball in excellent conditions for running rugby, and it was three-quarter moves that put in winger James Tutton for tries in the 20th and 26th minutes.
Nomads were more of a handful in the second half and their forwards frequently pushed Walcountians backwards in the set pieces.
After 11 minutes, they reduced Walcountians’ lead with a penalty.
Harrassing: Fly-half Freddy South was a constant threat to the Nomads’ defence
But Walcountians remained a threat on the break and extended their lead in the 17th minute when fly-half Fred South intercepted a pass in midfield and streaked away from the Nomads defence to touch down.
Four minutes later, Walcountians extended their lead to 19 points when they fielded a weak clearance kick and counter-attacked to put Bell in for his first try for the 1st XV, which was converted by centre Ben Davies.
Nomads were far from out of the game and alarm bells rang for Walcountians when they scored two tries in three minutes.
But Walcountians effectively put the game out of reach in the 37th minute when another interception, this time by Davies, put in replacement winger George Shaw for a try.
Nomads ran in a further try as they game went into stoppage try but a penalty from Davies in the fifth minute of time added on put the seal on Walcountians’ victory.
Next Saturday, Walcountians return to Surrey One action when they take on promotion-seeking Old Tonbridgians at Clock House - kick-off is 2.30pm.
Old Walcountians: Drinkwater, Tutton, Naylor (T), Davies, McGibbon, South, Moorhead (L), Bell (Dan), Richardson, Cowlin (S), Bell (Dom), Cowlin (P), Naylor (S), Houghton, Fowler.
Subs: Moorhead (S), Sadler, Shaw.
High-flyer: Simon Fowler soars in the lineout to secure excellent possession for Walcountians
Brace yourself: Winger James Tutton shows his power on the way to scoring two fine tries
Gone: Freddy South leads a Walcountian breakaway following an interception
Big grin: Lock forward Dom Bell celebrates his first try for Walcountians
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