It is far to say that since the Christmas break things haven't gone to plan for the Streatham 1st XV, losing 4 games on the bounce and finding themselves bottom of the table at the end of January. To try and get out of this hump, captain Barney Barnes called a players meeting after Tuesday training, to have a frank discussion on where we are going wrong. Mentality was the key takeaway, with ownership and commitment required from all those in the senior men's squad. What followed on Saturday was testament to that conversation.

Coaches Green and Fisher aptly put the boys through their warm up, although no extra words of encouragement were needed as all heads were focussed on the game ahead.

Streatham-Croydon started brightly, running hard lines and testing the opposition defence when the referee pulled up with a tight calf causing the game to halt whilst he received treatment. One of the Guildfordians coaches stepped up and admirably took on the whistle to ref the game impartially. Once the game resumed, Strets' dominance continued, with Ibrahim Campbell showing some brilliance as he sped past his man (+ a few others) to score near the touchline. With messages of phases and retaining possession, the days of attempting the impossible final pass were long gone, and fiji after fiji was implemented to keep the momentum moving forward whilst playing sensible rugby. Coupled with line breaks from forwards such as Jason Edwards, who stretched his long legs on a mazy run into the opposition half, this was a bright start for the team.

After being awarded a penalty quite central in the opposition 22, captain Barney Barnes went for three, and Mr Reliable HP slotted comfortably. Halftime arrived, and the 10s of fans who came to watch dashed to the bar to fill up on beverages on a sunny afternoon in South London. More of the same was the message in the huddle.

The second half began as the first ended, with scrum dominance giving the perfect platform for Harry to orchestrate his backs, sending former prop Charlie Pattihis crashing into his opposition man continuously, leaving the poor defender wincing. Streathams second try arrived after some dancing feet from Jack 'the kellawhale' Kellaway to continue his surprising try scoring form, which no-one saw coming, to take his tally to three for the season. Like a seaside puppeteer, Kella magnificently pulled the strings all day and deserved his try. Harry Peddler converts.

During some pressure from the opposition in Strets own half, the strong defence which has characterised this Stretham-Croydons team over the past few weeks was tested. Some big hits coming from Craig Metcalfe and Ben Cowell in particular got this match report writer a funny feeling in his pants.

With Strets camped out on the opposition line, the forwards dominance in all areas of the game came to fruition with Mike 'the fine tzar' Parker crashing over for a rare try. Screams of "You can't fine me" were heard from the touchline as jubilant celebrations ensued. Harry Peddle converts. Again.

The all important bonus point try ended up coming 10 minutes later, as a clever rewind enabled HP sauce to continue his fine scoring form to score in the corner. The video of which can be seen in this match centre under 'overview'. Unfortunately, even with his kicking boots on he couldn't convert the difficult kick from the corner. However Strets lead grew to 27-0.

A proud Guildfordians team came back fighting however, refusing to be nilled. Two converted tries were quickly scored, with some of the Strets faithful shifting nervously in their seats. Streatham-Croydon had done enough however, and the game finished 27-14.

This win was particularly important to the Streatham-Croydon team, as 1st team coach Matt Hawkes has been unwell with heart issues over the past 10 days. The boys wanted to repay the work that Matt has done in his short tenure, and they did just that with the system he has pain-stakingly implemented coming to fruition. The whole club would like to wish Matt recovers well, and look forward to having him back on the training pitches.

Big win. Important the boys build upon this, with 5 big games left of the season. C'mon Strets.

Man of the Match - Jack Kellaway, in arguably his best game for the club.
Dick of the Day - Harry Peddle.