Local derbies always bring intensity and passion and this game was no exception. Having been beaten by the old boys in the opening fixture of the season, their only defeat to date, Vandals were determined to come out on top in this return match and record their 13th victory in succession, and a 10 point winning margin was well merited. It keeps the pressure on their rivals Petersfield and Warlingham who they play next, at the top end of the league.

The blustery conditions were not conducive to good handling but both sides made light of the swirling wind, however it was Georgians who struck first driving over from a line out to lead by five points. The early scrums saw vandals with a distinct advantage, as the old boys were driven backwards at a rate of knots, resulting in them losing a player to the sin bin. Vandals were almost over in the corner before moving the ball wide from the resulting line out steal, and full back Joe Spencer had too much for the covering defenders as he touched down for the equalising try.
Penetrating play by converted Flanker Karl Hoade playing in the centre, and flyhalf Dave Loubser led to the latter scoring Vandals second try, which was converted by Spencer to take the score to 12 points to 5
The score remained the same until half time despite Vandals threatening to increase their lead, so much were they on top in the forwards battle.
Vandals maintained their dominance up front early in the second half forcing another yellow card, and they soon added to their score when centre Karl Hoade penetrated the defence to score after some fine play by winger Alex Ane coming in off his wing after fielding a long kick out from the Georgian defence. This score spurred Georgians into a spirited response bringing out the best in vandals defensive cover but eventually their attacking play brought its reward with a try from a searing centre break. The conversion cut Vandals lead to 17pts to 12.
Changing tactics Georgians kicked for their left winger to collect but a knock on prevented a possible try, which if converted would have given them a two-point lead. Vandals were then able to re establish authority up front and after a lightning break by scrum half Sam Hall, good work in the centres sent winger Luke Phairs across in the in the corner for what was the last score of the game.

Vandals continue to compete at the top of the league and the upcoming fixture on Saturday away at fellow contenders Warlingham will be a strong test of their growing credentials.

Weybridge Vandals Colts versus London Welsh Colts
on Sunday Vandals Colts travelled to Old Deer Park, home to London Welsh, a club who in the 70s providing the cream of the national side, including such legends as JPR Williams, Mervyn Davis, Gerald Davis, and John Taylor. Whether the clubs promising youngsters go on to reach such heights remains to be seen.

A large band of Vandals supporters both in the famous old Deer Park stand and on the touchline, row vociferous and passionate in their encouragement for the team, and there was plenty of good rugby to cheer on in this Quins cup competition.

Charlie Banks had another fine game imposing himself both in the set pieces and in the loose, and fittingly he scored one of the Vandals tries. Full back Ben Witham scored Vandals second try in the first half, and the team had every reason to feel they could go on and win the game, despite trailing by 2 points at half time, the Welsh having scored two tries and one conversion to lead by 12 pts to 10.

The home side went further ahead in the second half, all be in dubious circumstances, with Vandals feeling they had touched down for a drop out only for the referee to award the try to a following up Welsh player who she felt had had sufficient downward pressure for her to award the try.
A yellow card further hindered Vandals efforts but they shrugged off their temporary loss of a player with prop George Morley driving over in combative style to bring his side within one score of victory
Back to a full complement Vandals tore back into the attack, but conceding penalties in possible scoring positions only added to their frustration, and with the last play signalled by the referee, London Welsh were only too happy to boot the ball into touch to record a narrow victory at 21 pts to 17