Surman shines as OEs take bragging rights

CHRIS Surman inspired Elthamians to their first win in three matches in this thrilling nine-try London derby.

The OEs full-back set up two of his side’s five tries and was involved in most of their best attacking work.

But the Old Boys were made to work hard for the victory against a Park side who had a stand-out fullback of their own in Henry Robinson. He scored a try in each half and was a threat from deep all game.

Elthamians had started brightly, moving into a 17-5 lead after 27 minutes with tries from Sam Egerton, Renford Bennett and Dom Lespierre after a lovely Surman offload.

Park replied with a wellworked score out wide from Ollie Hassel-Collins and for the remainder of the half they dominated possession and territory to take a 19-17 half-time lead with tries from Robinson and winger Rhys Crane, both converted by Harry Leonard.

OEs regained the lead with a penalty from fly-half Joe Carlisle before strong work by the Park pack allowed Robinson to strike again on 58 minutes.

However, the home side struck the decisive blow on 64 minutes when Surman’s clever kick ahead was pounced upon by Lespierre for his second try.

Carlisle’s touchline conversion gave OEs a 27-24 lead and a penalty try five minutes before the end secured the win, Leonard having the last word for Park with an 80th-minute penalty.