Streatham-Croydon continued their formidable start to life in Surrey 2 with a comprehensive, if at times rather fraught, 33-19 victory over Old Emanuel.
Fraught because at one point Streatham were reduced to 13 men after full back George Shaw and No. 8 Maika Baleilovu had been given 10 minutes on the side-lines to think about what they had done.
Streatham's second consecutive victory was also bittersweet as Aaron Brown suffered a broken hand and will be out of action for the first half of the season.
However, it is testament to a side that have scored with some abandon in their first two games that through outside centre Wes Baron, Streatham rallied against the numerical disadvantage and scored a try of some class.
It had begun so well for Streatham. Following a turn-over in the opposition 22, influential fly-half Chris Geary arched his way beneath the posts.
Winger Brown and Baleilovu added a try apeice and Streatham found themselves 21 points to the good.
From this point onward, Streatham gave away far too many penalties allowing the hosts back into the proceedings.
However, Geary still managed to score a brilliant second try, this time created with wonderful verve by winger Andrew Daniels.
Repeated warnings from the games’ excellent referee about Streatham’s indiscipline at break-down fell on deaf ears as Old Emanuel capitalised with two late tries.
Streatham-Croydon face Old Tonbridgians at home this Saturday (KO 3pm).
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