Rugby Union: Rivals face relegation crunch match

11:18am Wednesday 10th March 2004

This Saturday's Surrey League One derby clash between struggling Streatham-Croydon and Warlingham at Frant Road will be decisive in both sides' battle against relegation.

"Every match since Christmas has been a must-win game," says Nick Robinson, the Warlingham head coach. "This is obviously no different.

"But after the good results we've had in the last month, we cannot afford any slip-ups now."

Warlingham go into the match at Streatham-Croydon off the back of two league victories that have nearly dragged them clear of the drop zone.

Warlingham have three wins and six points from their 14 games, while the home side has won just once all season, with only points difference keeping Streatham-Croydon off the bottom of the table.

With no fixture last Saturday, Warlingham are hopeful of having no injuries for this crucial match against fellow strugglers.

That should mean skipper Barry Ruddock is fully fit to lead the pack from the start, and could also mean a return for former England one- day cricket captain, Adam Hollioake.

"We've changed one or two things around recently, with Paul Williams and Neil Farmer giving us experience and stability in the half-back combination, which has worked well," said Robinson.

"But if ever there was a crunch match, then this is it. Win it, and we ought to be safe.

"We cannot even contemplate the alternative."

Kick off is 2.30pm at Frant Road, Thornton Heath.

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