ANDOVER Rugby Club recorded their first victory since returning to London 2 South West, with a battling 27-18 win over Warlingham.

The 'All Blacks' who played well despite losing their opening game loss to Effingham and Leatherhead, returned to the Goodship ground for the first time this league season, hoping for a more positive result.

However they faced a high flying Warlingham team who had beaten Portsmouth in a close encounter the week before.

Both sides started well but it was Andover who took the early lead through a Charlie Waite penalty.

Waite was involved again moments later, but at the other end of the pitch as he combined with Stefan to produce a last ditch tackle to prevent a certain try.

However Warlingham continued to attack and were rewarded with a penalty soon after, which was converted to bring the scores level.

The Andover pack then began to turn the screw in the tight and from a penalty Kieran Jenvey was held up but hooker Tom Waite picked up and burrowed over for a try.

Soon after came the first of three marvellous Andover scores in the backs.

From quick ruck ball Jenvey was again the provider, as his double miss pass gave Elliot Copestake the chance to dance over for the All Blacks.

The game quickly turned and Andover were thput under sustained pressure by the visitors but defended well before conceding a further three points.

However just before the break Andover were reminded once again that a even a short lack of focus can be costly.

A loose kick gave Warlingham an easy run in and despite their dominance Andover were once again level going into half-time.

Andover remained calm and showed promise as they kept the ball and hammered at the opposition line for almost fifteen minutes after the restart.

Warlingham defended bravely but the pressure eventually told.

Ollie Lindridge was reigning supreme in the lineout and from his lovely ball, Alex Kane’s deft pass put Niko Rowe through the gap and he fed Sam Froggett for a fine try.

Charlie Waite converted and Andover seemed to be clear.

Not so though as poor concentration from the kick off handed Warlingham the ball and they showed just why they have title aspirations of their own with a lovely score.

To their credit though Andover once again took it on the chin, stuck to their game plan and finally put the game to bed.

From another lineout Copestake galloped fifty metres and fed the evergreen Froggett for his second try, again converted by Waite and the bonus point win was finally secure.

Afterwards Coach Andy Waite was in a very happy mood.

He said: "We made some tactical adjustments at half time and the players did exactly what was asked of them to produce a fine win.

"Nic Reed is doing a superb job at stand in skipper and his leadership was a key factor.

"They were a very good and physical side but we played to our strengths, kept calm and won a pulsating game. It’s lovely to be up and running in this league."