by Owen Jones

Streatham-Croydon returned to winning ways after their Vase humiliation at Farnham with a 17-5 win over Bec Old Boys in Surrey Division Two.

Man of the match Walter Pretorius bagged a hat-trick of tries, with Aaron Brown converting the first, while Bec Old Boys' solitary try before half time meant Streatham had to be wary of their mid-table opponents.

Overall it was a strong and positive return to league action for Streatham-Croydon with fly-half Chris Geary directing matters with his usual calm, un-ruffled manner.

The loose forwards of Chris Tipton and Jack Kebbell had highly effective games, appearing in the backline and at the breakdown with a constancy which would have pleased the Streatham-Croydon coaching staff.

Charlie Crewe at outside centre was his usual elusive self, often pirouetting his way through a Bec Old Boys defence which was up flat and fast for most of the game.

The result is always the most important part of any match and Streatham will be happy to secure points which keep them at the very heart of the promotion race.

This weekend, Streatham visit Old Rutlishians in Morden, kick-off 2pm.