Double glory: Warlingham’s under-16s celebrate winning the Surrey Cup at The Stoop, one of two trophies the group have won this season
There’s some hope down at Hamsey Green, after Warlingham’s under-16s won the Surrey Cup final, beating Farnham 15-14 in a nail-biting finale to their season staged at Harlequins’ Stoop ground.
Warlingham also won the second tier county trophy at under-16s level with a 26-12 victory over Cobham at Old Reigatians. In what is reckoned to be among the toughest county circuits in the whole country, club officials suggest that it is a unique double by their youngsters, and a huge fillip for Warlingham.
At The Stoop, tries from Ethan Smith and Olly Hayden with a conversion and a match clinching penalty kicked by Jack Allen won the game, with Warlingham’s supporters’ nerves on edge after Farnham got a late converted try.
In the Tier 2 final, Jackson Stevens (2), Seb Taylor-Smith and Solomon Marks all scored tries.
“It’s an absolutely incredible achievement to win both Surrey Cups,” said under-16s head coach Peter Millington, who has been guiding the squad of players for 10 years.
“It’s been a privilege to coach such a talented and dedicated group who are going on to great things on and off the pitch.”
Warlingham’s club chairman David Toye said: “This side exemplify everything we want our club to show. Togetherness, brilliant attitude and skill, competitiveness, discipline, respect and enjoyment in playing rugby.
“Their success is no accident, it’s taken lots of hard work to get here and I can only congratulate and thank all the players, coaches, parents and supporters for everything they contribute to our club.”
Read more: How the ‘Mighty’ have fallen: relegation haunts rugby clubs
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Congratulations to Warlingham’s under-16s on their impressive dual victory in the Surrey Cups! It’s truly inspiring to see such dedication and teamwork pay off spectacularly. Hats off to the coaches and everyone involved for nurturing such talent and spirit in the team. This achievement must be a huge boost for the community and the club’s future!