It is fair to say the 29th January 2022 had been marked in the calendar for some time. Strets prevailed in what was a massive win in late October away to Quins Ams, and instantly we knew the return fixture would be an enthralling encounter. Extra spice was also added following the release of a rather infamous match report (for more information, speak to Jack Kelleway...)

Due to various walkovers given by opposition, Strets hadn't actually played a league game since the 4th December. Although we managed to organise club friendlies in the new year to work off the mince pies, those games were not the ideal preparation for this fixture. Training in the week preceding the game was excellent, with great numbers and a real focus from the boys. Head coach Jesse Mackewn, and assistant coach for the day/club legend/bridge enthusiast Barney Barnes ensured the intensity was there as they put the team through their paces in the warm up. "Mindset" was the word of the day, and it was clear the boys meant business. A lunch hosted by the club an hour before the game ensured that a big crowd was down on a sunny January afternoon. The crowd were vocal, and certainly played their part in encouraging the boys.

The game started at a quick pace. Strets found themselves pressuring the oppo in their 22. However an unfortunate (but I think we all agree, deserving) yellow card for an illegal clear out of the ruck for VC and former prop Charlie Pattihis resulted in 14 vs 15 for ten. Strets defence held out admirably until the phase before Charlie's return, Quins scored and converted to move the score to 0-7. However there was no panic amongst the team. As Barndoor Barnes told the team before the game, we had to expect pressure and be keen to thrive under it. Shortly afterwards, Matt "Rocky" Doherty, in an otherwise towering display, decided to inform the referee that he tackled someone round the neck which the referee missed to award them a penalty. Always good to sort Dick of the Day early.

Charlie's reappearance coincided with a period of dominance for the strets lads. After seeing some space on the left, 10 Adam Sheehy took a quick tap penalty to send Liam "Away Days" Galllagher flying down the wing before being stopped before the line. Freddie Smart spotted a gap around the fringes of the ruck and darted over for the first Strets score of the day. A difficult conversion from the sideline was more or less dismissed by most of the strets faithful - not kicker Sheehy though, who slotted down the middle to continue a fine season with the boot.

Strets continued their dominance and began identifying gaps in the opposition back line, and a beautifully weighted pass found hooker/flanker/scrum half/fly half/centre Rolstone Langmead bursting through. After drawing the last man, our man of many positions channeled his former life at 10 and threw a flat bullet of a pass to find 13 Ben Cowell running a great support line to finish under the posts. The pass was a beauty, which left many of the crowd with tingling feelings in their trousers.

With the front row absolutely dominating the scrum which has now become an expected outcome, Strets continued to press hard before half time. Unfortunately a penalty was awarded to Quins Ams in our 22, which was slotted to reduce the deficit. The half-time whistle went, and the messages in the huddle from Coach Jesse and Assistant Coach Barnes were positive ones. The job was half done, but it was clear the Strets boys could go up another level.

Those words clearly landed with the players, as the second half performance was one of the best from a Strets side that this match reporter has been part of. Fly-half Adam Sheehy controlled the game imperiously, using territory and his lumbering pack of forwards perfectly. The pack continued to dominate, and Big Willy B was his usual graceful, soaring self stealing many a opposition ball in the lineout. "Magic" Mike Lawrence, enjoying the free role given to him before the game inspired fear in the opposition with his hard running and tackling. Tom O'Connor, returning to the 1st team since breaking his face early on this season was a calming influence at full back.

The evergreen James Beynon, who stepped up when called upon this week, refused to be tackled after taking a ball within the oppo 22 and barraged to score the third Strets try of the game. Conversion duly followed. With the ever dominant set piece, a scrum led to another try shortly after following great play from the Two Freddies. Inspirational leader and one hell of a guy, Freddy Green, scooped up the ball at the base of the scrum and offloaded to Freddie Smart who scored his second of the day. Unfortunately, a bit of miscommunication at the restart led to a dropped ball which was scooped up by the oppo to score under the posts.

With 20 minutes to go, Strets unloaded the bench with Michael Parker, Jason Edwards and Jack Kelleway entering the pitch. Their remit was to bring energy and continue the momentum, which immediately paid dividends when a pumped Jack Kelleway took a short ball and smashed through the oppo back line to score under the posts.

Finally, with Strets securing possession in their own half, Ben Cowell picked up the ball and rather than run his customary hard line inside, he surprised us all by actually using his pace and beating two defenders on the outside. After drawing the last man, he popped the ball to Adam Sheehy who had set off on a lung busting run to support, and touched down under the posts, and followed up with the conversion. This was met with huge cheer from the home support who by now had realised the game was won. Scenes of jubilation at the end of the game and a beautiful rendition of Sweet Caroline followed afterwards.

An excellent day for Streatham-Croydon RFC, with all those involved putting in a huge shift and working hard for the club. Thanks to Harlequin Amateurs, who although the result didn't go their way, took part in a great game of rugby. Good luck to them for the rest of the season. There are four games to go in Surrey 4 and still unbeaten... That tattoo is becoming more and more likely.

Man of the Match - Adam Sheehy
Dick of the Day - Matt "Rocky" Doherty
Man of Steel - James Beynon