Old Walcountians hauled their way clear of the Surrey Two relegation zone with a comfortable 31-10 win at bottom club Croydon last Saturday.

Full-back Ross Norton gave Walcountians an early lead after two minutes with a penalty, but Walcountians found the first half hard work against a dogged Croydon side who were playing for pride.

Walcountians had a massive advantage in the set scrums but failed to make the best use of possession.

Only flanker Joe Henderson and number eight Jonny Evans made significant ground, and too many opportunities were squandered.

Walcountians finally breached the Croydon line in the 29th minute when prop Luke Raynor burst through a line-out to snap up loose possession and drive his way through the Croydon defence for a try converted by Ross Norton.

Walcountians extended their lead in the fourth minute of the second half when hooker Matt Houghton drove over from a ruck near the Croydon line to finish a sequence of second phase moves.

But the home side hit back to remind Walcountians they were still in contention with a converted try and a penalty.

Walcountians did not seal victory until the final 10 minutes of the game when they finally broke the dogged resistance of Croydon.

In the 32nd minute, replacement number eight Gerry Connor touched down as Walcountians drove Croydon back over their line from a scrum on the 5 metre line.

And in the second minute of stoppage time, Walcountians were awarded a penalty try after Croydon tried in desperation to hold Walcountians back from scoring.

Walcountians’ next League match is in two weeks’ time when they take on League leaders Old Freemen’s at Clock House.

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Captain Steve Cowlin and Dom Bell gee up the Walcountian players before kick-off

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Brothers Joe and James Henderson enjoyed having a good share of possession to play with

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Young prop forward Luke Raynor powers through the Croydon defence to score against his former club

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Walcountian Centre Steve Bayles runs hard into the Croydon defensive line