Old Walcountians’ position in Surrey League One became more precarious as they fell 18-7 to a second-half comeback by promotion-seeking Old Tiffinians at Clock House last Saturday.

For much of the first half, Walcountians had the upper hand over third-placed Tiffinians, with the pack, anchored by an outstanding ball-winning display by flanker Jack South, winning the lion’s share of possession and the backs, with half-backs Paul Griffin and Callum Stone linking well, putting the Tiffinians’ defence under considerable pressure. Although the visitors took the lead in the 17th minute with a try from their left-winger, Walcountians were in front by the 25th minute when the pack recycled ball and launched full-back Ross Norton into space where he drew the Tiffinians’ cover and gave winger Ryan McGibbon a clear run for the line. Norton kicked a towering conversion to give the Counts a deserved lead which they held at the break.

Tiffinians came back into the game in the second half and benefited from penalty awards in the 11th and 18th minutes which they gratefully accepted to regain the lead. But Walcountians refused to throw in the towel and went back on the offensive.

With former skipper Alex Sutherland on the filed as a replacement, the Walcountians forwards drove play into the visitors’ 22 as they strove for victory. Unfortunately, over-anxious handling and a stubborn Tiffinians defence held them at bay, including twice when the Counts were pressing on the Tiffinians line.

With the entire Walcountians side committed to attack, Tiffinians were able to benefit from a stroke of luck in the final minute when their outside-centre intercepted the ball just outside his 22 and sprinted unopposed to touch down at the other end. The score was contentious, not least because many Walcountians players and spectators felt that there had been a deliberate knock-on to stop Walcountians releasing the ball to their threequarters.

Next Saturday, Walcountians have another testing fixture when they take on another promotion-seeking side in Old Paulines. The need for points has become more critical following victory by CL London which has closed the gap on the Counts at the bottom of Surrey League 1. Kick-off at Thames Ditton is at 2:15pm.