Warlingham were pipped 23-20 in their London Two South East clash at Old Dunstonians on Saturday which allowed the hosts to avoid relegation.

Dunstonians started the stronger with a try in the corner to take a 5-0 lead.

But, on the half hour, Ben Wimble received the ball on halfway and slalomed his way through the defence for a fine try under the posts, Joe Chivers’ conversion giving Warlingham a 7-5 advantage.

Dunstonians were soon back in front with a penalty but James Agate replied with a speedy burst down the wing to score by the left-hand corner flag. Chivers confidently converted.

But Dunstonians struck again before the break when their left-winger broke through some indifferent defence to score and Warlingham led by just a point at the break.

In the second half, a penalty put Dunstonians in front, but Chivers landed two successful kicks to put Warlingham 20-16 ahead.

However, injuries to props Alex Nunn and Lee Brasher forced Warlingham skipper into the front row and the hosts were desperate for a score to avoid the drop.

Warlingham’s only other prop Adrian Moreland was yellow carded, giving Dunstonians a scrum seven yards out. With young wing forward John Dowling pushed to the front row, Dunstonians’ pack took their chance with a pushover try which was converted.