Streatham-Croydon coach Jeff Greenleaf described his team’s Surrey Two performance as very poor after they relinquished a two-year unbeaten home league record.

Saturday’s 18-25 defeat at the hands of Old Tonbridgians was all the more disappointing as the visitors had mustered only eight points in their previous two games.

However, despite his proclamation, Greenleaf also cited a common phenomenon of lower league rugby in defence of his side.

He said: “We didn’t turn up on the day and a combination of things just contrived against us. It’s not an excuse but we were missing eight regular starters and that is not going to help.

“But that is all part of rugby at this level. We were understrength because players were either working or had other commitments. In the same vein, Old Tonbridgians will  field a strong or weak side depending on what their players are doing.

“You never know how strong your opponent, or indeed your own team, is going to be from week to week.”

He added: “But that said, we were very poor and we should have won this game.”

Getting in on the scoring were Kai Casemiss and Charlie Crewe with a try apiece while Danny Markevics kicked eight points.

Streatham turn their attentions to the National Junior Vase this weekend with a trip to Old Caterhamians on Saturday.