Having been due to play Wandsworthians twice in September, Quins finally took to the field against their Thames Ditton-based opponents. This was one of a couple of re-scheduled games which also meant that The Dubs were the first team welcomed to The Reeves this season.

Having to call on older players is proving to be fine in Surrey 5 but it does become more obvious when a Twickenham international coincides with half term. As a result, mid-week we were scrabbling somewhat for a team.

The desire to make the 2025/6 season a success is however evidenced by the fact that by kick off we had a starting XV and a full bench. Thanks boys.

Wandsworthians have had mixed results so far this season but essentially they have been a solid mid-table outfit. They’ve beaten the teams beneath well but have also suffered heavy defeats against better opponents.

The constant changes to the Quins team mean a simple game plan works best. And we started well. A solid set piece, hard running in midfield and pace out wide enabled us to gain early-game dominance. We were scoring tries whilst solid defence were keeping The Dubs at bay.

A half-time score of 24-0 should (indeed could with a TMO available) have been more. We had 4 tries (including a brace from Chad before he was subbed off – no way we’re letting him get a hattrick!) and the lead was extended early in the second 40 with Albert coming off the bench to crash over the line.

And then the turning point. A debateable decision from the ref originally looked like he was awarding a penalty to Quins. Seeing the injury to the Dubs player (a nasty looking broken collar bone), that instead became a high tackle against Archie and a yellow card to boot.

The extra player seemed to give Dubs confidence and they managed three tries in that last 25 minutes or so. What should have been a comfortable victory ended up being a little more squeaky than we would have liked. But it’s another win and another 5 league points.

Third-placed Guildfordians next week look like another step up but play like we did for the did for the first half of this game and we should be competitive.

MoM: Harry Powell - thanks for making the trip from Wales, mate. Good to have you back on the pitch
DoD: Chad - two tries and despite coming back on after his subbing he still didn't get the hattrick