3rd XV win against 3rd in the league Milton Keynes 60-5
Chiltern III XV 60 - 5 Milton Keynes III XV
8th March 2008
Chiltern 60
Tries: Dobbie, Hughes (2), Lawson, Morgan (2), Porter (2), Richardson, Winson
Cons: Nicholls (5)
Milton Keynes 5
Tries: 1
Chiltern 3rds fielded what is probably the biggest and most experienced pack to be assembled at Weedon Lane for a number of years. This resulted in a dominant performance against a brave yet resilient Milton Keynes side which never gave up and kept going to the last minute getting the reward of a consolation try.
The game started in ominous fashion with the Chiltern Pack securing good early ball and rumbling up the field with every opportunity which released veteran centre Richardson on a number of powerful runs resulting in an early try for Porter on the wing.
There then followed a period of sustained forward pressure with 6 consecutive scrums on the Milton Keynes 5 mtr line. MK battled hard and held out with no points awarded due to a number of handling and technical infringements by Chiltern.
The pack was working well and at every opportunity the MK pack was marched backwards with the subsequent pick and drive by the back row of Dobbie, Lawson and Hughes. This tactic resulted in yet another 2nd phase move with Richardson breaking the gain line and setting up a second try for Porter .
The forward dominance was starting to wear down MK and more pressure in the scrum through front row of Holmes, Long and Rennie allowed scrum half Winson to pick up and drive blind deflecting a number of tackles, and then adding some extra pace to out run the covering defence and score a superb try.
The teams turned around at half time with Chiltern needing to keep up the pressure. This was achieved by a text book move from the kick off. Nicholls kicked off high and just over 10mtrs, the ball was won by the pack and they drove hard towards the 22, with the ball at the pack Hughes broke off in typical fashion and powered under the posts for a remarkable try.
Continued pressure and dominance in the contact areas was rewarded with gazelle like breaks from Rennie and Gibson and more tries coming from Dobbie, Lawson and Hughes.
A special thank you to David Morgan who was celebrating Wales winning the Triple Crown and was well into his second pint of beer when Chris Preston hobbled into the bar and asked if he would mind standing in. Dave lept into gear and after only 25 minutes on the field had two Shane Williams like tries under his belt. Thanks Dave and a big thank you from all the team!!
After a huge team performance, played with great spirit, it was difficult to choose a man of the match but on a day of forward dominance the award was finally given to double try scorer Jon Hughes for his outstanding efforts.
A mention should go to the Milton Keynes team who never gave up or resorted to darker tactics when they were under so much pressure which resulted in a very enjoyable game to play in and to watch.
Chris Preston - 9/3/08
Team
1, Holmes 2, Long 3, Rennie, 4, Heiron 5, Gibson 6, Hughes 7, Dobbie 8, Lawson 9, Winson 10, Nicholls 11, Porter 12, Ireland 13, Richardson 14, Preston 15, Bissex