The Met continued to demonstrate their predilection for hostile weather conditions, continuing a winning run in the mud of Old Walcountians' Clock House ground. Storm Darragh had done its very best to put the tie in jeopardy but an amber weather warning was never going to stop this clash between sides who had found themselves mired in mid table.

The Met boast a 100% win record against The Counts. With the usual raft of unavailability testing the coaching staff to the max, stalwart and try-machine Chris Holloway was coaxed out of retirement with the Met struggling for a full-back, while Alaistair Short made his first appearance, in the second row. Both were to have an impact on the outcome.

Playing with the gale in the first half, the Met took the decision to kick for goal from the earliest of penalties. The metronomic boot of Sam Druce soon put the visitors 6 points up and skipper Cormac Healy's decisive captaincy was to prove the difference between the sides as the match itself became a victim of the conditions, with much of the play stuck in the mud. Long periods of attrition resulted in very little gain for either side and, with handling sometimes looking like a game of catch with a bowl of jelly, try bonus points were never likely.

Conditions notwithstanding, both teams should be commended for their stirring performance. Counts almost stole the first half with a converted try by skipper Joe Henderson but the Met re-established a six point advantage with their own 7-pointer right on the whistle, Holloway adding yet another try to his impressive career tally. It was no less than they deserved, having looked marginally more accomplished in the mud, and having generally used the conditions well. The second half was very nearly a full reversal.

Counts took a leaf out of Healy's playbook and Hal Mogridge slotted an early penalty. The Met tore into the wind and immediately scored their second try with debutant Short claiming the touchdown although kicking into the wind, Druce was unable to add the conversion. The eight-point lead was to prove just enough for the Met to secure victory. Counts came desperately close with a second converted try, Brendan Murphy scoring off the left wing, and it seemed as if the Met wanted to snatch defeat out of victory's jaws. With the clock in the red, Holloway made the bizarre decision to extend his playing career even further, electing to keep the ball alive rather than heading for a well-earned bath. Fortunately, the hosts had had enough of the mud wrestling, and the Met eventually claimed a satisfying victory, albeit by a single point.

The Counts might well be satisfied with a losing bonus point. They battled hard but in truth, the Met were always good enough for the victory. Consecutive victories boosts the Met to fifth place in Surrey 2, with a clear three-win advantage over the relegation battle. Conversely, the Police are a similar distance off the promotion places; the pace-setters look better equipped for the next level with half the season's fixtures complete but it has been a topsy-turvy league. With two more matches this side of Christmas, two good victories and a little help elsewhere, the Met might just be back in the mix by the New Year.