If Old Emanuel claim the Surrey Division Two trophy next month it will have been as much a triumph over the elements as it has been over the rest of the division.

Director of rugby Fergus McCarthy’s side are second in the table – two points adrift of leaders Old Freemans – with three games to play.

Old Emanuel, skippered by Jamie Clarke, have only lost two games all season – to Freemans and Old Caterhamians – and both matches saw the New Malden-based club undone by the weather as much as anything else.

They expect the warmer weather to help them finish the season with a flourish and secure the points they need for either promotion or the title.

“When we lost to Caterhamians I had to take two people off and send them to the shower to warm up because I was worried they were suffering from hypothermia,” said McCarthy.

“And the game at Freemans was snowed off and switched to our ground where we played – and lost – knee deep in mud.

“The firmer ground suits us much better.

“Freemans, on paper have both the easiest and hardest games in the league to come.

“So we have to just make sure we win our games and see how things fall.”

McCarthy’s club, who are coached by Paul Wilson and won the Surrey Sevens bowl competition last summer, have been traditionally slow starters to their league campaign.

But they have maintained the fast start throughout the season and the director of rugby believes they can carry their form to the division above – should they get there.

“Consistency in selection has been the big positive this year,” he added.

“Because we made a good start, people have been more committed.

“Jamie Clarke has done a tremendous job as captain and there is a good spirit in the team.

“They are all about the same age and all mates and that has pulled us through.

“We should get a few players back from university next season, so I think we will be well placed to push through the league above.”

Old Emanuel head to Cranleigh tomorrow.