Following two consecutive home wins for Strets, confidence was brimming going into this must-win, mid-table clash. With many of the Strets first team back line returning after being absent for the loss at Egham Hollowgians, there was relief when the team sheet indicated captain Barney Barnes was back in his familiar position at 6 after a brief, and bruising, foray into the centers.

Warm up completed, and run throughs looking particularly sharp, Strets came out from the changing room with the focus on the first 20 minutes, shoring up D and controlling the game with the ever-improving pod system. Poor opening 15 minutes were a thing of the past, when Strets began playing some exciting rugby, dominating early possession. Some lovely hands and line breaks from the backs and second row James Beynon resulted in, who else, but the dancing pony Max Thomasson, in his second game after returning from a long injury layoff, to score in the corner. Full of confidence after his last incredible display at 10, HP stepped up but narrowly missed the conversion.

Strets continued to dominate the play, and in no time at all Strets were over the try line again. This time some good running by captain Barney Barnes, new winger Dan Pinn and Ben 'the Owl' Cowell released former prop Charlie Pattihis to score under the posts, to cue celebrations and jubilant shouts of "I'M A LAWYER" from Charlie. This time HP steps up and converts.

After being turned over near the opposition try line, Strets feared a quick counter. However, the most unlikely man stepped up to dash those fears. A rather ambitious floated pass from the opposition 10 was gratefully clutched from the air by none other than Jack "the whale" Kelleway to score his first ever try (yep, first ever) for Strets in a competitive game. Thats a big ol' monkey off his back, with many more expected over the rest of the season. Harry Peddle continues his good form with the conversion, and shortly after slotting a penalty.

At half time, Strets were full of confidence... perhaps too confident. Strets dominance in the scrum and lineout finally paid dividends after an impressive heave to get 8 Keegan Fisher to a position where he could pick up and power over 3 defenders, as is his way, to score Streathams 4th. Harry Peddle misses a tough conversion from out wide.

What followed was a worrying 20 minutes as Strets let Old Johnians back in the game, who built momentum to dominate possession and territory. Some good play, a long with some sloppy D, let the opposition score three quick tries, two of which converted to set up a nervy last 15. To ease the pressure, James Beynon scored what was a very well deserved try and another barnstorming performance, by powering over from short range, which HP converts.

A penalty try set up a tense finale, until Harry Peddle slotted a penalty to confirm the W for Strets.

Big shout out to Dan Pinn who played in his first game for Strets in an unfamiliar wing position, which he will need to get used to moving forward after an outstanding offensive and defensive performance!

Next up is another mid-table clash, as Strets travel to Merton for the final game before the Xmas break.

Man of the Match: James Beynon, another outstanding game from the second row who is beginning to become the first name on the team sheet.
Dick of the Day: Shouts to Parker and Angus who mysteriously disappeared following their yellow cards, but award goes to Keegan for chucking up orange lucozade in a maul in the previous game.