RFU League-Counties 1 Surrey / Sussex
Twickenham 19 Weybridge Vandals 19 Pts
The omens looked good for Vandals as they opened up a 14 point lead, but facing a gale force wind later in the game they had to confront a fierce fight back from their hosts who having drawn level then appeared to have secured victory with the score close to no side. But Vandals showed their mettle and their attacking ambition to gain a share of the spoils in the last phases of the action.
Coach Damian Porter commented on the efforts of both sides and gave credit and Vandals for the way they fought in the final plays to gain the draw.
Vandals took the game to Twickenham from the outset and once again that will of the wisp winger Luke Phairs, sped down his flank to score 2 blistering tries which Harry Weatherall coolly converted. Twickenham's response was decisive with two converted tries of their own and despite some fine resolute defence by Vandals the home side scored their third try to make the score 19 points to 14 in their favour.
With time running out the pressure was felt by both sides, Twickenham to hang on to their small lead, and Vandals to force defensive errors and give themselves a last gasp chance of a try, which if converted would seal victory. Vandals duly got that try with a Harry Weatherall effort, but his supreme effort with his conversion attempt for the win was not surprisingly blown off course and the draw was the final outcome.
Vandals 2XV had an equally enthralling game before overcoming Law Society by 27 pts to 26 in the final minute of the game. Vandals try scorers were Simon Boffee with two and Sam Hall, Cameron Russell and Ed Rawlings with one apiece.
On Sunday Vandals Juniors held a highly popular girls festival with teams from Dorking, Richmond Barnes, Old Emanuel, Old Rutlishians, Warlingham, Old Wellingtonians in addition to the Vandals sides. The festival was superbly run by Vandals supremo, Stuart Amos, and all participants received a medal which were presented to them by the RFU representative Paula Carter, who commented on the high standard of rugby she had witnessed.