Strets travelled to Merton on a hot September day to complete their preparations for the upcoming 19/20 season in Surrey 3. Following up from last weeks promising attacking play, Strets implemented their system well for the first 10 minutes of the game, however unfortunately to no reward. However the following 15 minutes found Merton dominating possession and scored a couple of converted tries through some unforced errors from the Streatham team. The heat had clearly got to number 9's, Pat Coffey, head when he took a good high ball and threw a rather telegraphed pass which was intercepted, to concede another try under the posts. He didn't let his head go down however, and had another outstanding game to put his hand up as the first choice nine for the season. A new front row featured in the second quarter, continuing the good work in the scrum from the first quarter.

At half time, the message from captain Barney Barnes and coach Matt Hawkes was one of calm and reset. A reinvigorated Strets came out and returned to their possession dominated style, with forward pods being utilised well by 10 Marcus Barnard. A centre combination weighing a combined 220kg featuring captain Barney Barnes and former prop Charlie Pattihis constantly battered the Merton defense, finally forcing a breakthrough which saw Barney Barnes scoring, and the conversion duly followed. The pressure continued with four more tries coming from Keegan Fisher, Rolstone Langmead, Tom Rainey and a team penalty try (with no one in particular to congratulate) to complete the impressive second half comeback.

Strets can take some immense positives from their preseason campaign, going into what will be an important, and hopefully successful, season for the club.

Man of the match: Louis Green, for an outstanding game in an unfamiliar position at prop, carrying hard and dominating his side in the scrum.
Dick of the day: Ben Cowell, for dropping the ball over the line, but rescued with the penalty try decision.

C'mon Strets.