Returning from injury can often be a case of stepping into the unknown for many sportsman – you can never be certain how the body might react.

But Weybridge Vandals back rower Oliver Walker knew his would respond in the right way on Saturday the moment he saw Wimborne’s forwards set foot on the pitch.

The 19-year-old collected the man of the match award in the wake of the weekend’s spirited 34-12 defeat to the Regional Two South Central leaders at Brownacres.

It was his first appearance this term having spent two months on the now infamous Vandals injury list rehabbing a torn pectoral muscle, and it’s fair to say he more than made up for lost time.

Cheers, lads: Oliver Walker exchanged views with the Wimborne scrum half after his man of the match display

Walker made a number of tackle-busting carries through the formidable Wimborne forwards and was a nuisance on the ground as the hosts stretched their unbeaten opponents to the limit.

His efforts were not lost on head coach George Pickersgill who hailed the blindside as a ‘rare talent’ with a thirst for the physical nature of the game.

While disappointed with the result, Walker was simply pleased to be back and able to leave his mark in more ways than one.

“It was a tough score line. The score didn’t really reflect how we played,” he said at the weekend.

“They were a big side and I think they just executed better than us. When we were in their 22 we didn’t really execute.

“With a lot of the boys playing out of position it wasn’t easy, but I think we stuck in there and gave it a good crack. I’m really proud of the boys.

He added: “It was a nice feeling to be man of the match. I’ve just come back from a two months out with a pec tear so it was great to be back with the boys, throwing the body around.

“I saw their big tight head prop running out at the start and thought he was a big boy, so my favourite moment was definitely bumping him.”

Hold back the flood: Vandals emptied the tank in defence on Saturday, and gave Wimborne a Halloween fright in attack

Walker joined Vandals at the start of last season and made 13 first team appearances in a memorable first campaign that saw the club secure promotion from Counties One Surrey/Sussex in some style.

When all are fit, the club is blessed in the back row department with Tom Frewin, Tom Caines, Rory Taylor, Cameron Edgar, Brandon Thornley, Paul Louie, Mike Mason and Sam Hall all featuring at some stage during Vandals’ injury-ravaged start to the season.

The return of captain James Gulliver, hopefully in the new year, will further strengthen resources and Pickersgill believes that will only get the best from his number six.

“Ollie is a rare talent. I think it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find players with his attitude towards the physical side of the game,” added the Desborourgh Island chief.

“He genuinely believes he can take on anyone, and that’s a fantastic attribute to have, particularly at this level.

“What’s exciting is that he’s only 19 and has only been back playing rugby for about 18 months. He’s really only scratching the surface of what he’s capable of. He’s a fantastic lad as well.

“He’s a real competitor and the quality we’ve got in the back row is only going to push him further. He’s got a huge amount of potential, and I’m excited to see how far he can go.”

For now, Walker is just enjoying life back at the coal face, having missed pre-season through a trip to Australia and his aforementioned injury.

“This is my second season and it has been great so far,” he added.

“When I first started I knew this was the club I wanted to be at. The community is great, on and off the pitch.

“I just love playing rugby with the boys and that’s my main goal.”

Breifing: Head coach George Pickersgill, centre, chats to his squad in the wake of Saturday's defeat as Oliver Walker, far left, looks on