Battersea Ironsides skipper Marcus Bailey has more than one reason for being happy following his return to the team.

Bailey went over the whitewash in last weekend’s 27-20 win over Old Tiffinians at Garratt Green, having been out of action for three weeks with an ankle injury.

Without him at the helm, Ironsides had won three out of three, including an impressive 13-0 shut-out against fellow title chasers Teddington, and had climbed to second in London Division Three South West.

Bailey said: “I was glad to get back and show what I can do as there is never a guarantee that you’ll walk back into the team.

“The lads have done really well without me, while I have been itching to get my gear on and get playing.”

Ironsides were promoted as champions of Surrey One last season, and they could go top of the table this weekend if they beat Old Mid-Whitgitian and Camberley stumble at Purley John Fisher.

It would suggest the transition from county to London rugby has been a smooth one, as has Bailey’s new role as skipper, taking over from Colin O’Keeffe in the summer.

VIDEO: Watch Tom Wapshott dive over for the bonus-point winning try

Bailey said: “We are getting high numbers in training and the guys know they have to perform to make sure they stay in the team – the competition is great.

“The only position we’re struggling is in the kicking game. Ben Mott would have been back from a back injury on Saturday but he dropped a mug of his foot and needed stitches.

“We’re hopeful he’ll be back this weekend.”

Seb Jones, Tom Quinn, Guy Newman and Tom Wapshott got the other tries against Old Tiffs to secure the bonus point win.

“We dominated for an hour and got our bonus point, and then we took our foot off the gas, which is disappointing,” Bailey said.

“But we played some excellent rugby, and that’s what we need to take to Old Mid-Whitgiftian this weekend.

“They may be struggling, but you never know what you’re going to face in this league.”

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