Haslemere won their penultimate league match with considerable ease – eventually.
However, in between they managed to make life hard for themselves.
If 'Mere have any aspirations to play in the higher leagues in the near future, they must take a hard look at themselves for their continual hot-cold performances during far too many matches this season.
This game was no exception. Wandsworthians are bottom of the table and Haslemere were expected to produce a big score. Yet it was the home side who scored first, running with ease through some lacklustre 'Mere defence.
'Mere equalised within five minutes with a try from Johnson, on as a 'blood' replacement for Shea.
Poor concentration from a kick-off and Wandsworthians again took the lead 12-5.
A penalty 10 metres out set the Haslemere forwards on one of their practised moves and the result was a try for Shea.
A further try under the posts, after some jinking and trickery from Woods, brought the half-time score to 12-19.
Haslemere made two changes at half-time, with coach Hogwood taking a well-earned break and Shea being replaced by Johnson.
McGory arrived fresh from Fulham (via Iraq according to his taxi fare and delay) and both gave much more solidity to the defence and poise to the attack.
The much older and heavier Wandsworthians soon tired and then capitulated.
King strode in for two tries and Bannatyne and McGory grabbed one apiece. Woods converted one and Bannatyne four. As usual, Mills was everywhere and Burrage started to show his class.
Haslemere are home to London Fire Brigade in their final league fixture this Saturday. 'Mere need to win if they are to finish in the top half of the table (ko 3 pm at Woolmer Hill).