Warlingham RFC Tour Tournament @ Nottingham RFC

Casuals had the privilege of being invited to a very special event at Nottingham Rugby Club. A chance to test themselves against a touring side from as far away as Surrey and our friends, Corsairs, on the first team pitch at Lady Bay in front of a raucous crowd!

Casuals 3 Warlingham 5
We know ourselves how important it is to get a win on tour – and Warlingham, Casuals first opponents, were supremely motivated. After being inspired by their visit to Welford Road, Leicester, where they watched the Tigers destroy Newcastle Falcons, the touring side were ready to play and pulled ahead quickly with 3 tries despite Casuals spirited defence.
Casuals were not perturbed and, with ball in hand, were frankly superb! Defending deep, and competing well for every 50/50, Casuals were rewarded for their efforts when Rupert broke free for their first try. Organised defence deep in their own half, with Warlingham desperate to kill the game off, was rewarded with a positive attack and good distribution of the ball and a try completed by Finn.

As a supporter who doesn’t often or ever go to training, I should be forgiven for wondering what Rex was on about when yelling “The Wall! The Wall!” but I soon found out as Casuals delivered their creative set piece that could and should have yielded the equaliser. Poor luck led to a turnover and Warlingham’s “Harry” broke and scored with some impressive footwork. Casuals were not done, and Finn ran in soon after to bring the scores close at 4-3 and pushing with every sinew for the equaliser, Casuals came close only for Warlingham to have the last say.

Corsairs 4 Warlingham 1
A match closer than the scoreline suggests; with Warlingham deservedly satisfied with their showing in the far thrown land of the East Midlands. Robin Hood looked on, in spirit, with approval.

Casuals 1 Corsairs 5
Another game where, perhaps, the score line flattered the winners but that is rugby sometimes. Casuals found it hard, at first, without the ball but should take a lot of confidence from their committed defence which meant that, despite conceding the first 3 trys of the game, made their opponents work extremely hard.

Inspirationally, Casuals did not let the set backs discourage them and continued to hunt for a comeback. With ball in hand, Casuals were impressive with not only good handling and passing but creative play producing breaks and scoring opportunities which at times gave the impression that it was Casuals with the lead. Casuals try was one for the highlights reel with great play from Liam, breaking and looking for the line, Mikey carrying the ball forward relentlessly and Rupert knowing precisely where to put the ball down with aplomb. As with the game before, Casuals saw a 3-1 deficit as an opportunity to create the comeback of all comebacks and it seemed on with a super run by Oscar who was only stopped by an amazing cover tackle by unnamed Corsair player. Corsairs, to their credit, recovered and it was they who scored the next try. Caution to the wind was what was required by Causals and it is no shame at all that Corsairs were able to capitalise and score another.

Overall, Casuals should be very pleased by how each and every one of them played. Real effort, commitment and a demonstration of how each is progressing in their rugby journey.

A satisfied and very proud supporter! –
Two players of the Week: Warlingham nominated Finn and Corsairs nominated Spencer. Well done to both!