Trinity RFC 31 – 15 Warlingham RFC

Match Report – Mark Macaskill

Trinity U22s welcomed Warlingham to LMA for their first match in the U22 competition – conditions were tricky with a mist and wet conditions.

Preparations were disrupted for Trinity losing Josh Lee to injury in the warmup and Ross Sinclair to illness before the game – Co-Captain Max Farrell was unable to shake off an ankle injury – however the squad all turned up to produce a strong performance to win 31-15, 5 tries to 2.Debuts for Pierce Cummins, Drew Gormley, Fin Kennedy, Sam Medcraft and Max Anderson.

Alfie Lamb led the home side who kicked off with an expectant crowd watching on – early exchanges showcased Trinity’s physicality in defence winning the collisions and halting Warlingham’s advances. However, over-eagerness meant offside penalties were conceded enabling the away team to gain field position and have the majority of possession. When Trinity were able to enter the oppo 22, good ball retention enabled Drew Gormley to feed Alfie Lamb for a close range try converted by James Duffy. Warlingham struck back with a penalty following a high tackle call and Trinity were warned by the ref about repeated infringements. Following a sequence of carries with Charlie GM, CJ Maiden and Khalil Alleyne prominent, Trinity scored their second try courtesy of Quinn Singh who broke through several tacklers to dot down, conversion missed. Trinity then received two yellow cards in quick succession for high tackles and were reduced to 13 players – Warlingham took the initiative and applied pressure on the home side’s line – strong defence repelled the Warly advances and won a ruck penalty by Khalil Alleyne. Following a great line kick from Finn Kennedy at 10, Trinity moved up the pitch and were awarded a scrum in the middle of the pitch just outside the 22. Gormley fed Kennedy with Sam Medcraft entering the line and timing his pass to perfection for Adrian Serville to finish in the corner, the tough conversion was missed. Half-time and Trinity were 17-3 up but with 2 players in the bin.

The Half-time chat was to gain control of possession and reduce the penalty count – Joe Mamode, Ed Duffy and Max Anderson came on to add some energy for the home side. Within 5 minutes of the second half Trinity were back to 15 and looking to extend their lead. Mention to the lineout which was run by Pierce Cummins – Isaiah Opara and Pierce both winning the opposition ball plus being solid on their own ball with Quinn hitting the jumpers accurately. The centre partnership of Olly Wilcox and Aidan Sisk worked effectively both with impressive carries and solid defence.

Warlingham came out of the blocks quickly and were camped on the Trinity line, however, excellent defence and set piece work kept the opposition out and Trinity were able to relieve the pressure. Trinity then produced arguably their best passage of play, a great break wide from their 22 and retaining possession through a number of phases resulting in Temi Asanbe barging his way over and showcasing a fantastic swan-dive to finish, conversion made. Max Anderson at 9 was producing great service for the home backs to attack, Aidan Sisk making a line break however the ref reversed a penalty on the Warly line after some backchat. Warlingham hit back with a deserved try from their full-back and all to play for with the score 24-10. Another yellow card for Trinity following several infringements in their 22 and their backs were against the wall – as was the story of the match Trinity’s defence held firm and Finn Kennedy cleared the lines well. Quinn Singh then crossed for his second score following a typical strong carry and converted. Warlingham crossed for a consolation try late on and the ref blew for full time, 31-15 to Trinity.

31-15 was a fair result given the way the match played out – discipline needs some work looking forward to the next fixture over Easter, details TBC. Pleasing to see several players on debut and Trinity able to claim local bragging rights.

Sunday 29th December 2024
Surrey U22 Competition
Trinity RFC 31 – 15 Warlingham RFC
Try Scorers – Alfie Lamb, Quinn Singh x2, Temi Asanbe, Adrian Serville
Cons – James Duffy x2, Quinn Singh x1
Squad – Alfie Lamb (c), Quinn Singh, Temi Asanbe, Isaiah Opara, Pierce Cummins, Charlie GM, Khalil Alleyne, CJ Maiden, Drew Gormley, Fin Kennedy, James Duffy, Olly Wilcox, Aidan Sisk, Adrian Serville, Sam Medcraft, Joe Mamode, Max Anderson, Ed Duffy, Josh Lee
Coaches – Paul Roberts & Mark Macaskill

MoM – Quinn Singh for an all-round impressive display from hooker

DoD – Pierce Cummins for an audacious cross-field kick which didn’t quite go to plan

VEO LINK https://app.veo.co/matches/86f11ac8-dd25-4783-9628-aeca7c9faed4/

MATCH PHOTOS via Peter Filewood’s FLICKR PAGE