Chiltern Saxons 32 - 7 Buckingham 2XV

The Saxons were brimming with confidence going into their first home game of the league season against Buckingham IIs. After their convincing display against Bracknell, the squad believed that they could put on another strong display in front of the Chiltern faithful.

As with the previous week, the determination and resilience of the players in defence ensured that from start to finish Buckingham hardly had a sniff. Even at such an early stage in the season, the players were working hard for each other and together as one unit.

The account was opened when an attack deep inside Buckingham’s territory allowed left-wing Michael ‘Shakira’ Buckler to drive through the defence and bundle the ball (and four players) over the line.

Later in the half, Ross Bugden at fly-half duly added to the score with a converted penalty after a couple of decent close attempts. The Saxons went into the interval in a commanding position.

10 – 0 (HT)

In the second half the game opened up with attacks from both teams, but it was Chiltern who proved the only side capable of finishing. The Saxons back line, often spearheaded by former captain Dave Neale, found numerous gaps in the Buckingham defence and subsequently added three more tries to their earlier score.

Chiltern were successful down both wings, and persistent surges down the left flank provided two notable opportunities, one being converted from close to the try line by captain Tom Fletcher. Down the right flank, Scott Jarold also finished an excellent drive with both Dave Neale and Chris Preston in support. A second half penalty was also converted to add to the score.

The only blip of the game came when a kicked clearance was charged down, caught and converted for a try, but it was rare luck and utterly flattered Buckingham’s otherwise blunt offensive game.

In the later stages, Ross Bugden completed another flowing Saxons attack, taking the ball between the posts and impressively converting his third of four attempts. Overall, Chiltern dominated and have set a standard which they aspire to continue to meet.

32 – 7 (FT)

Special commendation must go to the forwards who were strong in all aspects of their game. Their relentless tackling and effort at rucks and set plays provided an unrivalled platform for the backs to launch multiple-phased attacks. The Saxons pack proved a formidable unit, and both Jimmy Irwin and Darren Smith put in particularly outstanding performances.