In the first game of the season Cats narrowly defeated Haileyburians 18-23 who, going ahead from that loss, remained undefeated for the majority of the season. They were now looking promotion in the eye.

Equally Cats were keen to finish in third spot in Counties 2 Surrey League, which would be a tremendous achievement after gaining consecutive promotions.

Haileyburians went 0-7 ahead with an early converted try but a Tom Clayton penalty shortened that lead to 3-7. Then after some Cats pressure flanker James Mitchell went over to put the lads 8-7 in front.

The opposition fought back to score again. The try was converted and at half time they lead 8-14.

Into the second half and a Will Buxton converted try put Cats back in the lead at 15- 14. They then went further ahead when Tom Clayton slotted home a penalty.

But that 18-14 lead was soon squashed as Haileyburians scored and converted a
third try.

Cats fought hard for the rest of the match and had their chances but unfortunately the 18-21 score stood to the final whistle.

Congratulations to Old Haileyburians for gaining promotion and that losing bonus point helped to cement Old Cats third spot in the league.

Full Time Score: Old Caterhamians 18-21 Old Haileyburians
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This season the main objective for Old Cats, after achieving two promotions in consecutive seasons, was to consolidate and make sure, first and foremost, they didn’t get relegated and then to see how high they could actually achieve in the table against some really decent opposition.

Steve Wagstaff Old Cats Director of Rugby was quick to praise the squad’s endeavours this season.
‘Realistically today’s performance, although we lost, does reflect the way the boys have developed as a team, as a unit, playing really cohesive attacking rugby. Really enjoyed building a foundation for next season with lots of fantastic opportunities now for the boys to come from the 2’s to the 1’s, so some strength in depth and let’s see where we go next season and hopefully compete with people like Chipstead and the other stronger teams for promotion next year’.

First XV captain Oscar Nye was equally upbeat.
‘Really happy, especially going back to back promotions and then coming into a league we knew was going to be hard, more teams, more rugby and a good standard rugby. We didn’t know what was going to happen so to come in 3 rd place, get on the podium in the top three is brilliant. So happy for the boys - we are going to keep going, gather, celebrate tonight and celebrate at the end of season dinner then strengthen, see what happens coming into next season and do a better job’.

The Cats ethos as a club has once again shone through and the youngest member of the team Zach Rhodes summed the atmosphere up perfectly.
‘From day one everyone made me so at home, everyone has been so lovely everyone’s banded together, come together as a team and made me feel included in every single thing from the first day. The season we’ve had and for my first season at Cats, it’s been incredible.'

Thanks to all the families and friends who have got behind the lads this season - it makes such a difference to have that touchline support on match days.

Enjoy the summer and look forward to seeing you next season.