The Chiefs secured a place in the EDF Energy National Trophy semi-final with a comprehensive victory over Surrey side Esher. The match seemed a potential banana skin as Esher had nothing to lose, having all but secured safety in National League One on the back of an impressive display against Northampton. However, Chiefs negotiated the threat with efficiency in what was a dominant performance at Sandy Park.
Chiefs were quickly into their stride and the opening exchanges gave an insight into what was to be a long 80 minutes for the Esher side. The Chiefs’ first lineout saw the ball secured and mauled 20 yards up the field. The ball was then transferred along the backline with Gary Kingdom bursting through a well-created gap in the defence. His ball to Jason Luff was poor, forcing the winger to check his run and step inside. However quick feet saw Luff burst through a gap untouched for a try that was easily converted by Kingdom and the Chiefs were into a 7-0 lead inside the first minute.
Chiefs were completely dominant in the early territorial exchanges, with regular line breaks puncturing the Esher defence. Good strength from Junior Fatialofa nearly created another score for the Chiefs but Luff was just unable to offload the ball with a try looking inevitable. The Chiefs did not have to wait long however to add to their score as a penalty from Kingdom from in front of the posts stretched the lead to 10-0 after 18 minutes. By this stage it seemed infringement was the only way Esher could halt the Chiefs attacking intent, with several penalties being conceded in a short space of time. One such penalty created a chance for Kingdom to kick at goal which he converted confidently. Moments later another infringement caused Lee Stirling, the Esher flanker, to be sent to the sin-bin.
With only 14 men, Esher found it even harder to contain the Chiefs. Another powerful break from Junior Fatiolofa was halted just yards short of the line. The Chiefs forwards had the presence of mind to remain composed and after a couple of phases of slow ball, Chad Slade was able to dive over the line from the base of a ruck. Kingdom failed to convert but the Chiefs went into half-time pleased with their structured performance and their 18-0 lead on the scoreboard.
Esher had showed little attacking intent in the first half and the visitors’ appeared determined to rectify this with Charlie Amesbury making good ground from a darting run early in the half. Despite this, the Chiefs did not lose momentum and retained the territorial advantage of the first period. In the 49th minute, a strong and patient maul by the Chiefs forwards forced Sam Blythe over the line for an unconverted try that pushed Chiefs into the comfort zone.
As the game entered the last quarter, both sides opened up in an attempt to play some expansive rugby, which was made possible by the dry day and hard ground. Exeter’s increasing confidence was clear to see, but it was one inaccurate expansive move that led to the Chiefs forcing the ball out of the tackle near to the touchline. Danny Gray, who showed several touches of class during the afternoon, just managed to keep the ball in play flicking the ball out of the back of his hand releasing Lewis Stevenson who offloaded to Kevin Barrett, who had the speed to reach the line. Kingdom converted the try and pushed Chiefs into a 30-0 lead.
With the result in no doubt both teams made several substitutions in order to rest players for upcoming matches.
Esher then gained a deserved reward for their spirited defence with a try of their own in the 68th minute. Neil Hallett showed good speed and strength to finish an elegant move from the visitors which was well converted by fly-half Dave Hewitt.
The last few minutes saw a try from the excellent Junior Fatialofa, who showed he had speed and agility to go with his obvious strength stepping inside the full-back to score under the posts. Kingdom converted this try and then rounded off an excellent day for the Chiefs with a try of his own in the last minute. His missed kick meant the score stayed at 42-7 but none of the Chiefs supporters were grumbling after a good victory in a competition that looks set to prove Exeter’s most realistic chance of silverware this season.
Teams:Exeter Chiefs – Kingdom; Luff, J Fatialofa, Kelly, Ward; Gray (M Fatialofa 64mins), Barrett; Parkes (Kingsland 56mins), Blythe (Nelson 56mins), Dunlea, Hanks, Stevenson, Slade (Johnson 56mins), Andy Miller (Alan Miller 64mins), Baxter (capt).
Esher – Flockhart; Moore (Hallett 54mins), Armitage, Henderson (Clouston 68mins), Amesbury; Hewitt (Sleman 68mins), Barr; Cormack (capt)(Smith 68mins), Campbell, Warren, Inglis (Butterworth 68mins), Blakeburn, Soden, Stirling, Barrell.
Scorers:Exeter Chiefs – Tries: Luff, Slade, Blythe, Barrett, Junior Fatialofa, Kingdom; Cons: Kingdom (3); Pens: Kingdom (2).
Esher – Try: Hallett; Con: Hewitt.
Chippenham crashed out of this year’s Dorset & Wilts Cup at the quarter-final stage playing at Allington Field on Saturday.
The result was not unexpected but nevertheless, it was a disappointing one for the watching home supporters. For coach, Rob Alford, it was something of a relief. He said; ‘The result was disappointing for us but in some ways it was a relief. Now we have one thing to concentrate on and that is the league.’
The first half was fairly even but Chippenham were guilty of giving away possession too cheaply with the visitors more than happy to punish them.
Bournemouth were the first to put points on the board as a sloppy clearance kick from Chippenham gifted the try to lock Cameron Forest. Bournemouth winger, James Flyn added the conversion to take a 0-7 lead.
Chippenham replied with their first try. A kick ahead was chased by full-back Callum Waddell and winger, Darren McMillen. McMillan was the winner and he touched down for the score and reduce the deficit 5-7.
Bournemouth’s second try was the best-worked move of the match. The ball went through six phases of play with the Bournemouth full-back Robert Bruce taking the final pass and cross the line. The conversion was missed but Bournemouth went into the half-time break with a 5-12 lead which on the balance of play was a fair reflection.
The second half saw Chippenham start well and soon had their second try. Captain James Gaiger gathering and diving over the line. Chippenham then enjoyed a fifteen minute period of pressure on Bournemouth and although created the openings for further scores, the chances went begging.
This lapse allowed Bournemouth in and against the run of play they scored two further tries from hooker Chris Ulu and Bruce, who grabbed his second try of the match. Flynn kicked another conversion and the match was virtually wrapped up by Bournemouth who progress to the semi-final stage.
Under 14s
Chippenham U14s 24 –v- Newbury U14s 15
Newbury’s Under 14s travelled to Allington Field on Sunday to play a friendly match against their Chippenham counter-parts.
From the outset, Chppenham took the game to Newbury and kept the ball tightly controlled in the forwards, close on the Newbury 22 line. The pressure from Chippenham’s hard attacking, driving style, paid off within the first three minutes.
Joe Leyden gathered the ball and headed for the Newbury line for the opening score and put the first points on the board.
Chippenham’s next try came from a debutante winger and new club member, Jacob Harris. He worked hard to make his way to the try-line before picking up the loose ball and dropped over the Newbury line for the second try of the match. This was ably converted by Joe Bodman with a good solid kicking style to add another two points to the score.
Liam Barrington followed up with another try for Chippenham, and again, Joe Bodman kicked a successful conversion.
At the half-time break, Chippenham had a very comfortable 19-0 lead.
Chippenham stepped up a gear in the second half and began where they left off at the end of the first half. Within minutes of the restart, a quick try from David Payne extended the lead.
Newbury to their credit, came back at the home side and due to some poor tackling from Chippenham put their first try over the Chippenham try-line.
This score spurred on the visitors, and again, due to some poor defensive work from Chippenham, quickly scored two tries in succession.
Final score ; Chippenham 24 –v- Newbury 15.
An excellent game of rugby from both teams, and which gave the Chippenham squad the opportunity to get some match time in before going to Corsham next week to play in the final of this season’s Wiltshire Cup.
Under 13s
Newbury U13s 0 –v- Chippenham U13s 65
Chippenham’s travelled away to Newbury on Sunday for a friendly game against their Newbury counter-parts, albeit their B team. The early morning journey was rewarded with a try-fest from the visitors.
Atkin scored two tries early into the first half, which was closely followed by two from Brown, with Taylor slotting home two successful conversions.
Not to be outdone, Waddington opened his try account just before the break. Newbury rarely ventured into Chippenham territority, and when they did, the Chippenham defence soon has them back into their own half.
Chippenham made six changes during the half-time break to give all squad members the opportunity to show what they could do and the tries kept coming.
Brown added another two to bring his personal tally to four. Waddington grabbed a brace in the half to complete his hat-trick and Hatch added two towards the end of the match.
Successful conversions came from the boots of Taylor with one, and Hatch who slotted over two.
A superb effort from all concerned with the match ending with a 0-65 scoreline in the visitors’ favour.
A travel effected Swans’ fielded just 13 players in this friendly fixture at Potterne Park. It had been agreed that Verwood would play their full 15 in part preparation for next weekend’s league match.
Despite their shortage Swans’ produced some strong scrummaging but were unable to sustain continual Verwood attacks with the ball being moved wide to produce a raft of tries throughout the match.
Whilst Swan’s managed a well taken break-away try, Verwood ran in eight tries from Aaron Laws, Charlie Cockram (2), Tim Linford, Brian (Big Bird) Thomson (2), Will Trim, and Dan Reed with four conversions by Paul McGuffie.
The next match will be at Potterne Park on1st March in Hampshire League 3rd Division vs Paxton Pumas.
Weston’s second string travelled to near neighbour Hornets and came away with a well deserved victory. It didn’t start well for Weston as Hornets took the lead with a well taken try which was converted. However Weston hit back when centre Travis Bradshaw crossed for a try near the posts which was converted by fly half Chris Young. Despite numerous opportunities Weston failed to add to their tally until the second half when speedy left wing Ben Hooper outpaced the home defence to put Weston into the lead for the first time. They increased the lead when replacement flanker Mark Walker went over for another try converted by Young who then scored with an individual effort which he converted.
For Weston there were fine displays by the back row of Gallagher Matthews and Ball together with Young at fly half.
Cambridge Colts (7) v (10) Weston Colts
Weston Colts are through to the last eight of the National Plate after a nail biting victory away at Cambridge. With Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare in attendance Weston played into the stiff breeze in the first half and had the majority of possession but could not manage to breach the home line. With the first half coming to an end a mix up in the Weston defence allowed the Cambridge full back to gather and race fifty metres to open the scoring with a fine effort. This try was converted.
This caused Weston to come out in the second half with renewed vigour and with the line out being dominated by lock Tom Walker Weston was camped in the Cambridge half for long periods. It took quite a time to wear down the home defence but eventually leading try scorer James Arnold was on the end of a fine move. The left wing scooted over wide out but this proved no problem for fly half James Mackay who converted expertly. The game was evenly poised but Weston did look the more likely and so it proved as they were awarded a rare penalty by the referee just inside the Cambridge half. Mackay seized on the opportunity to put Weston in front for a lead they would not relinquish.
Despite some flutters near the end Weston held for a famous victory.
All twenty two players used played their part but blindside flanker Eddie Saunders was quite outstanding on the day both in defence and attack and all round commitment to the cause. With Walker number eight Alex Babbington and open side Jed Dillon also having fine games it was the forwards who took the plaudits. But in the end it was the boot of the ever cool Mackay that won the day.
Weston U11s
Weston U11’s team for their away fixture to Cheddar was Hooker Alex Hopkins, Props Ollie Thomas & Sam Meikle, 2nd row, Jake Harper, Ewen Kennedy & JJ Wall, Scrum Half Jamie Smith, Fly half Callum Board, Centres Omar Al-Hinai, Ollie Habgood & Charlie Tottle, Wings Jessica Cope & George Pengelly-Powell and Fullback Callum Kingscott.
Cheddar U11s (25) v (5) Weston U11s
In the first match, Weston let Cheddar dominate the game, and for the second week running, only appearing to wake up and put the tackles in once they were 2 tries down. Weston’s defensive play did well managing to hold the ball up on the line several times and Ollie Habgood managed to intercept a Cheddar pass on the full time whistle final score Weston 5 Cheddar 25.
Cheddar U11s (0) v (7) Weston U11s
Cheddar kicked off for the second game and a free ball was picked up by Callum Board offloaded to George Pengelly-Powell and passed along the line only for Weston to be forced into touch. Cheddar won their lineout but Weston forwards put in a good drive winning the ball and again passing it along the line until a knock on gave Cheddar a scrum, Weston got the ball out but a good tackle on Jake Harper saw the ball again go into touch. Cheddar won the lineout but good tackling from Omar Al-Hinai and Ewen Kennedy kept the ball from the line. George Pengelly- Powell then put in an impressive tackle ripping the ball from the opposition and passing out to Jamie Smith and Jessica Cope. A Cheddar scrum saw the Weston forwards driving hard and winning the ball, Callum Kingscott put in a great run but was tackled into touch by the opposition. Weston won the Cheddar lineout and drove hard toward the line but a good tackle by Cheddar saw them kick the ball clear, Weston picked up the loose ball and nearly made it to the line again and despite Jamie Smith pushing forward he was pushed into touch as the whistle blew for half time.
The second half saw Weston kick the ball well into the Cheddar half and give good chase, Cheddar were awarded a scrum close to their line and Weston drove forward very strongly only for them to be pushed into touch. The Cheddar lineout saw Ewen Kennedy tackling well but and Cheddar knock on saw Weston winning their scrum but the pass out to George Pengelly-Powell again saw Weston driven into touch. Jamie Smith intercepted the oppositions lineout and passed to Sam Meikle and out to George Pengelly-Powell, with Weston showing great attacking progress towards the line. Jake Harper was inches from putting down when he was high tackled and the referee awarded a penalty try to Weston which was easily converted. The rest of the half saw both teams trying to outdo their opponents defence to score but the final result was Weston 7 Cheddar 0.
Uphill Manor Man of the Match went to George Pengelly-Powell.
For the second week running Weston only had 13 players to choose from a squad of 21, hopefully for their away game against Old Reds next Sunday the whole squad will turn up with the attitude to play rugby from the first whistle.
Weston U10s
Cheddar U10s (30) v (5) Weston U10s
Weston under 10’s fielded two games in an away Match against Cheddar, Weston’s first team to play, although technically the better team they couldn’t stop one or two of Cheddars individual players from breaking through the Weston pack Weston’s attacking side were good as usual but they couldn’t turn the attacking play in to points! Weston’s only try came early on in the first half and was scored by Alex Tyler. Rhys Langley, Sam Light, and Alfie Hardy made some good breaks but were unlucky not to score. Owen Kelman, Ethan Hetherington and Jack Hockey made some good tackles. Tom Sugg made a late break in the second half but couldn’t make headway against the Cheddar pack. Good support play by Adam Budd.
Cheddar U10s (30) v (0) Weston U10s
Weston’s second game against Cheddar saw Liam Hynes, Ashley Hardman and James Peel making some great runs against Cheddar, Dan Smith and Jacob also made some great runs and were both unlucky not to score this time. Weston won many of the line outs but didn’t make good use of it! Good defensive play by Alfie Hardy, Alex Tyler and Joel Scanlon. In the second half Alex Tyler and Alfie Hardy were replaced by Jack Hockey and Owen Kelman. Weston pushed on with Liam Hynes and Rhys Davis making some great runs but couldn’t get their names on the score sheet.
This weeks Huw Langley Solicitors Man of the Match went to Dan Smith for his superb tackling.
Weston U9s
Cheddar U9s (0) v (20) Weston U9s
The first game began with both teams defending well. Simon Williams and Ollie Coombes both made some excellent tackles to halt promising Cheddar attacks. Gradually Weston began to get on top and was rewarded with a try when Matt Kerrigan and Jamie Shelley set up a good rolling maul. As they neared the Cheddar try line, the ball was popped out to Lewis Davidson who dived over to score. Weston continued to press but couldn’t extend their lead before half time.
From the re-start Simon Williams made a superb break to beat two tackles before offloading to Matt Kerrigan. He fed Brandon Charlton who outflanked the Cheddar defence but was caught just short of the line and laid the ball back for Rory Hancock to pick up and go over. Weston scored again when Brandon Charlton received the ball from a lineout and made a jinking run through the Cheddar defence to score in the middle. Weston’s forwards then showed their power when Neal Mattheison, Matt Kerrigan, and Brandon Robinson repeatedly recycled the ball in successive rucks to present Brandon Charlton the ball with space to run over into the corner.
Cheddar U9s (15) v (10) Weston U9s
In the second match Weston came under intense pressure and brave defence was required. George Andrews, on his debut, made several superb tackles and a powerful run almost resulted in a try. Eventually though, Cheddar broke through to take the lead. Further good defensive work was required; Ollie Phillips and Ben Peck tirelessly put in the tackles to help keep the score down to 5 - 0 at the break.
Early in the second half Morgan Orme set off on a fantastic mazy run, beating several tacklers, to set up Neil Mattheison who powered over from close range to level the scores. Cheddar re-took the lead then Weston immediately replied from the re-start when Neil Mattheison charged down the wing to score in the corner. With the game in the balance both Hayden Gibbs and Ben Eades made brilliant tackles to keep Cheddar out, but in the end Cheddar scored again. Weston then pressured the Cheddar line but just when a score looked likely they ran out of time.
Weston U7s
Cheddar U7s (4) v (9) Weston U7s
In the first game Weston started and Joe quickly scored the Weston defence where not fully concentrating at the restart and Cheddar levelled the scores. Ewan was able to break the Cheddar line and put Weston back in front. Josh, Joe Reece W and Dan all took tags but could not prevent Cheddar scoring their second. Dan made a good run before passing to Joe for a try. Jack B added Weston’s fourth, before good tagging by Nathan, Josh and Dan led to Weston getting a turnover ball and Joe running in for a try. Joe and Reece W took tags at the start of the second half before Dan ran the full length of the field to score. Despite Weston’s defence working hard and taking tags Cheddar where able to pull two tries back. Dan then added his second before Jack B ran the full distance and passed to Joe to score his fifth. Josh scored late on to make Weston 9-4 winners.
Cheddar U7s (8) v (4) Weston U7s
In the second game Weston fielded some of their younger players but where soon ahead when Cameron scored from the start. Cheddar quickly levelled before Kai had a good run and scored. Taylor took a tag at the restart but again Cheddar scored. Cameron, Kai and Nathan all took tags however Cheddar managed to take the lead. Cheddar added a fourth before Kai scored in the last play before half time. The Weston Defence looked out of sorts in the second half with only Kai taking a tag and cheddar adding four more tries to their tally. Their was some consolation for Weston as Kai scored in the last move of the game, which ended with Cheddar 8-4 winners.
Cheddar U7s (1) v (8) Weston U7s
In the third game Weston used a mix of players from the first two games. Weston started the game defending well with tags from Joe, Dan and Reece W. Joe opened the scoring after some good passing by his team mates. Joe and Reece W took more tags before Jack B scored to end the half. Dan started the second half with a try after a good pass from Ewan. Dan added another for Weston as they turned over Cheddar ball. Reece W scored with a run down the wing before Cheddar pulled one back. Joe got another before Josh broke away to score his first in the game. Good tagging by Reece W led to Joe getting the ball and scoring his third, Weston finished the game 8-1 winners.
On Sunday (24.02.08) Camp Hill Chargers’ Mom’s/Social TAG team played their first competitive fixture - and won!
With the majority of the squad flirting with the late 30s-40year old mark, the team made the short trip to Chaddesley Corbett to face their decidedly younger and larger squad for a 9-a-side half pitch TAG-rugby game (3 x 10minute thirds).
“I have to say I felt rather intimidated when the Chaddesley girls ran onto the pitch (all 30 of them!) with their full strip and make-up on!” says wing Fiona Hearn, 38. Having made their mark off the pitch, Chaddesley complimented the proceedings with a vibrant start - the pace of some of their young charges catching Camps unaware: “After five minutes, and three tries scored I think Chaddesley might have thought they had it in the bag” commented Captain Annie Sheppard, 43 “but as the rain stopped so we started, stepping up our game to put all our training into practice.”
With the basics being key Camps regrouped, reorganised and started to play - handling, pace onto the ball and superior off-load skills proving the difference between the two sides with Chaddesley unable to manage the magnetic runs of Danne Dubois-Gayere and Collette Corr in particular, who in drawing the defences attention off-loaded to centres Gina Hughes and Amy Bayliss who offered themselves in support throughout the game.
A 3 nil deficit was soon turned into a Camp Hill lead as tries reined in from Captain Sheppard, Jo Taylor (2), Dubois-Gayere, Kate Edgington and Hearn. Tracey Cook added a clever 7th score just before the two-thirds whistle went and with the final third of the game remaining Camps had bagged a 7-6 lead with 10minutes to go.
With rolling subs providing fresh legs for Chaddesley, Camps smaller squad of 13 had to dig deep in order to ensure a strong finish, with 6minutes to go the breathing room that was needed was granted when a Chaddesley ball was dropped, collected by Hearn who flew up the sideline from 30m out to score a memorable individual try. Sharon Blick, aided by Jane Homans, provided the final impetus with a carry and off-load to Bayliss who evaded the defence for the game’s final score.
Beaming head coach, Jo Kilby afterwards said: “I’m very, very proud of the whole squad including those that weren’t able to make it on the day - the effort, the application, the commitment has all paid off, the ladies were magnificent and thoroughly deserved their win.”
Speaking of the initiative itself, Kilby commented: “many of the team have never done anything like this before - played a vigorous team sport - in perhaps 20 years, if at all, combine this with the fact that they have gone from complete rugby novices in 6mths to players who can create space, hit holes and compete with players half their age in a competitive setting and you can see why we’re all so delighted, but significantly, it was and is achievable for everyone - our team is made up of mothers, housewives and busy professional women, they just applied themselves, committed to an hour or so of fun and fitness a week and the rest took care of itself.”
Sheppard affirms: “I never had the confidence to play team sports, [the coaches] have all been so supportive, built my confidence and given me some self belief. Sunday was one of the best achievements in my life.”
Camp Hill’s Mom’s are on the look out for new players ahead of their next game, a return match against Chaddesley, scheduled for April 13th as part of the Chargers Ladies Rugby Festival Day. If you’re interested in giving a superb fun, fitness and friendly team sport a go, come and try Camp Hill’s Moms/Social TAG team - contact Annie Sheppard or Jo Kilby via www.chrfc.co.uk for more details - all abilities and ages (+16yrs) welcome.
Pershore are left needing a minor miracle if they are to avoid relegation after Saturdays defeat by Stroud at Piddle Park.
The Pershore pack, so dominant this season, game up against a big, and experienced set of forwards resulting in the home side only getting parity at the set piece. This did not prevent the home side from dominating the first half. However they could not make things count and were in fact trailing at half time by 5-0. Pershore had opportunities to close the gap in the late in the half but two penalty attempts by fly half Will Woodhouse were unsuccessful.
Much of the second half was played in the middle of the park. The difference between the sides was that on the few occasions Stroud visited the Pershore 22’ they came away with points. Martin Hope, as always carried the ball well and full back Stefan Ellis always looked dangerous. This was not enough for Pershore and they finally went down 15-0.
Pershore face a trip to the Forest of Dean next weekend to face title chasers Berry Hill in what is a must win game for both teams.
Chippenham’s Under 14s travelled to Trowbridge RFC to play in their postponed semi-final match of this year’s Wiltshire Cup competition.
Sunday was a clear but very cold day, but the Chippenham team were up to the challenge from the kickoff. They drove the home side back to their try-line working well to score the first try of the match.
It took barely five minutes, but some excellent feed of the ball to the Chippenham backs led to Jam Rodriquez driving over the try-line and scoring the first five points of the match. The try was ably converted by Joe Bodman, who slotted the ball home between the posts. Chippenham were on their way.
Trowbridge fought back hard and exerted pressure on Chippenham with possession flowing between the two sides. Chippenham put in some fine, solid defensive work and denied Trowbridge, although they came close on several occasions to putting the ball over the Chippenham try-line.
Just before the half-time whistle, the ball was gathered by Ollie New who drove strongly through the remants of the Trowbridge defence and scored Chippenham’s second try of the match. This was again, converted by Bodman, giving Chippenham a comfortable 14-0 lead at the half-time break.
The second half started as the first half had left off but this time, Chippenham were under pressure from Trowbridge. They worked the ball out to their wing, who scored their only try of the match. This was also converted and Trowbridge were back in the game with the score standing at 7-14.
Trowbridge to their credit, tried hard to capitalise on their try, and continued to maintain pressure on Chippenham, again coming close to scoring on a few occasions. But some solid Chippenham defence kept them out.
Chippenham’s third try of the match came after a deft move from Jam Rodriquez who slipped past the waiting Trowbridge defence and scored in the corner.
Not to be outdone and just before the referee blew the final whistle, Oli Phipps for Chippenham, ran down the wing and scored his first try of the match to seal what had been a hard, fought but well deserved victory for Chippenham.
Final score; Trowbridge 7 –v- Chippenham 24
Chippenham’s Under 14s now play Corsham Under 14s in the final of the Wiltshire Cup in two weeks’ time.
Chippenham’s first team slipped to their second successive defeat at the hands of their old adversaries, Reading Abbey on Saturday.
For watching coach, Rob Alford, it was not all doom and gloom. He said; ‘Our injury list is growing week by week and because of injuries, we had to put out a patched-up team for this match. But this is ot an excuse, we were lucky the score was not higher. Having said that, we are still top and the others are playing catch-up.’
Making four changes to last week’s line-up through injury was always going to upset the balance of the team. Jon Whiteman who normally plays at hooker switched to prop and John Angel was recalled to the first team. Angell has not played for two months but on Saturday he took over the hooking duties.
Chippenham were the first to score but their first attempt to cross the line was disallowed by the referee. But the visitors kept up the pressure on the Reading try-line and eventually their persistence paid off when winger, Ryan Surry scored in the corner. Chippenham took an early 0-5 lead.
Maintaining the pressure on the Reading took it’s toll and Chippenham gifted Reading’s opening try. They intercepted a soft pass by Chippenham and the player ran fifty metres to cross the line and level the scores at 5-5.
Chippenham then squandered a couple of possible scoring chances and as the half-time whistle approached, and against the run of play, Reading scored a converted try to give them the lead 12-5 at the break.
Chippenham started the second half well, playing against the wind. But a sloppy clearance kick was gathered by the Reading full-back who ran fifty metres unopposed to scored his team’s second try to further extend their lead to 17-5.
A penalty kick stretched the Reading lead to 20-5 and at this point in the game, Chippenham could have crumbled under the pressure.
But the visitors didn’t crumble and dig in enjoying a twenty minute spell of relentless pressure on Reading. The pressure told and lead to Chippenham scoring two further tries. Josh ovens, making his debut and coming on as a replacement, scored the first of the two tries with Lee Audis adding the conversion. Surry grabbed his second try of the match and these two scores brought Chippenham to within three points of the lead at 20-17.
Reading, however, were not to be outdone and sealed the match with a converted try with very little time left for Chippenham to come back and make any difference.
Afterwards Alford was pragmatic. He said; ‘The end result was not unexpected, playing as we did with a very much changed line-up. This was the first start in a first team shirt for John Santer in the second row and our two centres, Karl Brant and Grant Trewartha had never played together in these positions.’
He went on;’I was proud of the way we played for twenty minutes in the second half – the boys could have folded but they didn’t and dominated the play. Obviously I am disappointed that we have lost but the boys were asked to step up their game and they did. They certainly showed more guts and determination than last week.’
Although having lost two games on the bounce, Chippenham remain top of the table with just five games left. Alford said; ‘These last two games were a bit of a blip but we are not panicking.’
Next weekend, Chippenham at last play their semi-final match in this year’s Dorset & Wilts Cup against Bournemouth at home with a 2.15pm kickoff. Alford said; ‘The Dorset & Wilts Cup is not our priority right now. Selection on will be interesting as we shall have to decide who we rest and who we play.’
