Old Emanuel director of rugby Fergus McCarthy is not a weatherman, but he reckons the rain cost his side the Surrey Two title.

Despite winning 22-17 at Old Walcountians on Saturday, Old Emanuel finished second to Old Freemens, following their narrow 13-10 win at Old Caterhamians.

Old Emanuel secured promotion two weekends ago, but had results gone their way on Saturday, it could have been different, and had the weather been kinder in January, it could also have been different.

McCarthy said: “There was no pressure on us on Saturday having won promotion already, but we waiting on the Old Freemens score at the end with our fingers crossed.

“In the end, the title came down to them winning at Old Cats, and us not.

“When we went there in January the weather was horrendous.

“We lost to a misjudged up and under that got caught in the wind, and they scored in the dying moments.

“On fine lines titles can be won and lost.”

He added: “But it’s been a great season, and there’s been a lot of joy around the club, and we had a good celebration for sure.

“And we may yet get revenge on Old Freemens next season in Surrey One.”

Paul Wilson, Louis Powell-Voegt and Jake Fordham got the tries in the win at Old Walcountians, with Fordham also kicking a penalty and two conversions.