This week, the Strets team made the long journey all the way down to Guilford for their Surrey 3 fixture against Guilfordians. Buoyed after the previous win at home, spirits were high building up to the game, even though Strets were missing captain Barney Barnes and the talismanic Freddy Green.

Strets looked pumped during the warm up, as the rain started to fall heavier and heavier. Guilfordians won the toss and decided to use the hill during the first half, with both teams knowing that this could be crucial.

The game started well with some fast hands and good pod work finding Strets in the opposition half, before unfortunately losing it at the ruck. The opposition, knowing how to use the slope to their advantaged, put in a cleaver kick which pinballed around before falling to their winger who touched down, despite the best efforts of full back Ben Cowell and Marcus Barnard. The conversion followed.

Strets battled on during the first half, knowing that if they kept in the game, they could get back on top after half time. The lineout performed particularly well with Jason Edwards imperious in the second pod, being marshalled well by Craig Metcalfe who was leading the lineout for the first time. Even though Will Minnett was charging around chopping like a little ginger devil, two more penalties followed for Guilfordians before the half time whistle rang, at 10-3.

The message from captain Rolston Langmead was one of calm and precision. Even in the pouring rain, the boys showed a real resolve and passion to get back into the game. With the pitch and the conditions worsening however, the Streatham forward pack couldn't get the clean ball that scrum-half Freddie Smart and fly-half Harry Peddle needed to get the backs firing. However some clever and powerful running around the fringes from Freddie kept Streatham in the opposition 22. With wet hands and a slippy ball, center partnership containing Jack Kelleway and former prop Charlie Pattihis admirably volunteered themselves as battering rams, with the opposition needing at least two to get them down on some occasions.

With pressure coming from the forwards, Vinny, hunting for some meat pie, came off his wing to smash over the line. C'mon Strets indeed... After claiming he only scores against the top teams in the table, future prop Vinny stepped up. Harry Peddle stepped up to convert from a not so easy position.

Unfortunately Strets couldn't find a second try, and the final nail in the coffin was banged in after Charlie Pattihis, in an attempt to get Strets playing in the right area with a faltering scrum, went for a punt which he unfortunately miscued, looping backwards and favorably being picked up by an Old Guilfordonians winger to score under the posts, which was then converted. 20-7 final score.

Although it was a disappointing afternoon for the boys, they can take solace in the fact that no one hid in what was a difficult day in tough conditions. With certain aspects identified to work on during the week, the focus already switches to this weekend where Strets will look to power through to a second win of the season.

Man of the match: Ben Cowell - Played very well as full back in tough conditions, marshalling the back three with authority
Man of Steel: Will Minnett - Not missing a single tackle even though he had a nasty chest infection
Dick of the Day: Charlie Pattihis - Unfortunately slicing a kick which led to Guilfordians final try of the game.