Surrey One

Old Walcountians 27 Bec Old Boys 12

GAVIN Welsh's continuation at fly half, and an improved performance from the pack, helped Old Walcountians record their third straight league win.

Welsh's ability to release Walcountians' lightning back three at crucial times in the game coupled with the pack's control of the game superbly at times which ultimately did for a plucky Bec side.

The home side edged a cagey opening quarter with Sam Naylor, playing flanker for the first time at this level, putting in several outstanding hits. Jack South and Tim Simms were a nuisance in the loose and the second row pair of Russ Yeo and skipper Alex Sutherland dominant in the rucks and mauls, but Bec made the home side work for every inch.

Olly Beales missed a 30-metre penalty midway through the half and Bec made Walcountians pay by opening the scoring with a try in the corner by their right winger following a simple backline move.

The hosts took control and scrum half Wally Fourie levelled the scores when he picked up the ball and dived through the tightest of gaps to touch down following a period of sustained pressure on the Bec line. Beales converted.

And five minutes later winger Chris Walsh joined the backline between the centres to carve through and score in the corner.

Walcountians continued to dominate territory and position in the second half, Beales extending the lead when he fired over a penalty from 35 metres and winger Ryan McGibbon finishing a flowing backline move with a converted try.

But a handling mistake by the otherwise solid Welsh gave Bec's most dangerous runner the opportunity to run in under the posts to narrow the gap to 10 points.

The visitors threatened an unlikely comeback, but the Walcountians backline broke again from deep and worked the ball wide to McGibbon who scored his second try of the day.

Old Walcountians visit Old Whitgiftians this Saturday, in a repeat of last season's Surrey Shield final. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.