Buoyed by their impressive performance the previous week Woking travelled to Haslemere for a league and cup double header. Once again Woking were able to name a strong squad and replacements despite several late call offs due to work commitments of players. Sporting their new gold and blue away kit Woking kicked off in perfect conditions for rugby.
Woking returned to action after an extended break due to Christmas and the impact of Covid when they hosted Old Hamptonians RFC at Byfleet Rec. When the sides met earlier in the season the visitors ran out 124-19 winners when Woking were only able to field 13 players against a very strong Old Hamptonians side. However, last Saturday’s encounter was to be a much different with Woking being able to field a strong starting 15 and bench.
On a chilly and windy afternoon at Byfleet Rec Woking took to the field with just 13 players against a full-strength side from Reigate. On the morning of the game Woking were able to name a squad of 18 players and headed into the match feeling confident that they could get a positive result against the visitors.
Woking chairman Andy Jones is looking ahead to new challenges as the Surrey Four outfit battle back from near extinction. As a tribute to club legend Richard Grady – who died in December 2019 – Jones took on the role last summer. Some felt it would be difficult to keep the club alive following the pandemic, but Jones gave it a go – and is now seeing the fruits of his considerable endeavours.
Whilst many of us may have participated in tours to play rugby union in the Netherlands, you probably didn’t know they also played rugby league. Well they do and they are enjoying their most successful period in the history of the sport.Recently, the team won the European Championship D trophy in Turkey, and are now through to the Rugby League World Cup Qualification Stage for 2025.
In previous weeks Woking have been guilty of starting slowly, allowing their opponents to get on the front foot and build a lead. Away to Mitcham & Carshalton that wasn’t the case as Woking started positively with a focus not seen in previous weeks. Playing into a strong wind the visitors took the game to their hosts as forwards and backs combined to put their opponents on the back foot.
Woking returned to Byfleet rec for the visit of Haslemere. After the heavy defeat to Old Hamptonians, it was an opportunity to put things right.
A squad already missing several key players due to injury was further depleted on the eve and morning of Woking RFC’s match at Old Hamptonians as several of the squad were forced to self-isolate. As a result, Woking travelled with just 14 players to fulfil their league fixture declining the option to concede the fixture and hand their opponent’s victory.
In torrential rain and high winds Woking took to the field to take on league leaders Streatham & Croydon