Cranleigh starts the league season with a bang!

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The Cranleigh squad were itching to get the league campaign started after a two-week delay due to the hard state of the pitches. The ground has never looked better, and all the hard work undertaken was apparent.

Unlike last season, Cranleigh started on the attack and immediately put Streatham on the defensive in the first 10 minutes. From a lineout they moved the ball wide, and Rhys Thomas easily outstripped the Streatham defense to score. They then virtually copied the move, with Jack Downs being far too quick to be caught and scoring out wide.

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Streatham woke up, moved upfield, and were awarded a penalty for holding on the ground around the halfway line, and their fly-half kicked it with ease. This was followed by an equally excellent penalty kick to make it 10-6. Both packs were equal at this stage, and the Streatham lineout was impressive. The Cranleigh pack started after 24 minutes to get into second gear, and after a great maul, Luke Fielden scored.

Cranleigh then had ten minutes to let Streatham attack and fell off two tackles, allowing them to score halfway out. Half Time 15-13.

In the second half, Cranleigh virtually took control in all areas. The pack gradually wore down the Streatham pack, and Josh Smith at scrum-half had the option to attack. Mikey Roser brilliantly weaved through the Streatham defense at pace, followed by another try by Ben Walker -well converted by Rhys Thomas. Streatham did add another excellent penalty but could not get any open play past the Cranleigh halfway line .27-16. Cranleigh camped on the Streatham 22, mauled, and Charlie Pankhurst finished a trademark try, as he has done in every game so far this season. Good quick ball saw Ben Murphy score, and Rhys Thomas finished the afternoon with a try and conversion against a dispirited Streatham. Full Time 48-16

The large crowd was treated to an excellent performance by the Cranleigh squad. Life is a bit trickier this year, with only three allowed substitutes, one welcome return from Luke Bargman, who does not look to have lost his class since last playing for Cranleigh.

Certainly, a big test next week away to London Exiles will test our squad. History tells us we have never beaten Exiles on their own ground.

Match Report John Bailey

Results Counties Surrey 3

Cranleigh 40- 16 Streatham/Croydon

Law Society 5-57 Old Johnians

London Media 24-38 Kingston

Old Cranleighans 22- 36 Haselmere