Phoenix IXV 3-30 Chiltern IXV

Chiltern travelled to Phoenix looking to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat to Newbury last weekend.

Chiltern played the first half into the wind, and started strongly. 2 penalties from captain Kinsey gave chiltern a 6-0 lead as chilts dominated the early exchanges. Quick ruck ball secured by the athletic chiltern back row in the middle of the pitch led to the ball being moved wide with Culverhouse going over in the corner. At 11-0 up, unfortunately chilts decided the job was done and allowed phoenix to dominate territory and possesion for the rest of the half, but resolute defence from chiltern meant phoenix were unable to cross their line and only managed a penalty. Then just before half time chiltern marched down the pitch resulting in Luke Antos rampaging through atleast 4 tackles to score under the posts, which was duly converted.

18-3 at half time and now playing with the wind, Chiltern fancied their chances of running up a few more points in the second half. Further tries for Culverhouse and Schrauwers meant chiltern were comfortable victors. A combination of belligerent defence from phoenix and too many penalties given away by chiltern meant the score was closer than perhaps it could have been, although had the game been allowed to flow more this would also have worked to chiltern's advantage.

There were notable performances from Powell in the front row who not only caused havoc in the scrummage but also contributed well in the loose, and also the entire chiltern back row. Next week Chiltern host Stow at weedon lane.

Team
1 Allen, 2 Murray, 3 Powell, 4 C.Gilhooly, 5 C.Bond, 6 Rigby, 7 L.Antos, 8 Grammenos, 9 P.Sitzberger, 10 R.Smalley, 11 C.Griffiths, 12 Culverhouse, 13 Arnot, 14 Buckler, 15 Kinsey (capt), 16 McHugh, 17 Schrauwers, 18 Foster