Despite the Indian summer, Warlingham made heavy weather of the early exchanges but came out on top when they beat newly promoted Heathfield & Waldron 22-5 at their Hamsey Green HQ.

Warlingham had much of the ball and territory but took a while to put together some error-free play. Their back line looked dangerous with the ball in hand but careless mistakes kept the scoreboard clean until their scrum secured quick ball in the Heathfield 22 and outside half Miles Waud gave centre Ben Wimble a neat pass for the try under the posts. Waud added the extras.

This settled the nerves and the Warlingham pack dominated their opposition and forced errors but the referee Mr Steve Woodward spotted several infringements and Warlingham's progress was stunted until half time.

After the break Waud punished the visitors with a penalty and wingers Jack Atkinson and Jon Osborne threatened the line.

Mark Kozminski came on for the injured Waud and the Street brothers (Tom and Dan) stole lots of ball at the breakdown.

Lock Luke Delderfield made some crunching tackles and slimline prop Tony Williams battered through the centre but the Heathfield defence was secure. When they gained possession and recycled quickly they squeezed in for an unconverted try to give them heart.

Prop Alex Nunn entered the fray and immediately featured in a clever move which ended with Warlingham's second try being scored by Osborne after Wimble and full back Alex Skinner had made good yards down the right flank.

Kozminski's conversion was just wide but Warlingham stepped up a gear and were cruelly denied a third try when the referee adjudged a forward pass much to the dismay of the home supporters.

The Warlingham forwards were taking metres off their visitors at every scrum and maul and hooker Dan Street drove over for a try after determined work by the whole pack. Kozminski secured the conversion.

Warlingham were well and truly in the driving seat, but failed to score further points when passes failed to keep to hand.

After the game, Warlingham head coach Tom Street said: "This was the best we've played for a while and all the hard work at training is now paying off.

"Our fitness has improved considerably and we now can threaten for the whole 80 minutes."

Next week Warlingham have a difficult game when they travel to Aylesford Bulls.

Warlingham: Williams,D Street,Abou-Zeid, Robson, Delderfield, T Street, King,Fair,Doe,Waud,Osborne,A Skinner, Wimble, Atkinson, Agate (Capt) Subs: Kozminski, Nunn, T Skinner