Late changes saw an impressive debut for ex-Loughborough College forward Toby Hunt whilst Head Coach Craig Burgess again enjoyed himself at scrum half. In the absence of Tom Grammenos, 19 year old Ollie Cato became Chiltern’s youngest captain in most people’s memory. Chiltern also welcomed back Sam Portland and Matt Craggs for their first First XV games of this season.

Driving forward from the kick-off, a lovely chip through after three minutes was nearly picked up by young James Carty but in diving for the ball and the line he injured his hamstring and had to leave the field. However Chiltern continued to maintain possession and territory and were awarded a series of penalties one of which was kicked by Craig Burgess to give Chiltern the lead after 15 minutes. Five minutes later the outstanding forward Stuart Day hammered through four defenders for a try wide out that was unconverted.

At this stage Chiltern fell into last week’s trap of playing frenetic rugby which on a damp and dismal day just didn’t come off. Nevertheless, the score stayed at 8-0 until the last play of the first half when Newton Abbot’s scrum half scampered over for an unconverted try after Chiltern had lost their own lineout ball 10 metres from their own line.

Soon after the restart Chiltern were dealt a heavy blow when new skipper Cato had to leave the field with a leg injury. Before Chiltern had regrouped, Newton Abbot picked up the pace and after sustained pressure their excellent No 8 drove over for an unconverted try. Now, there were some very nervous spectators but rallying well Chiltern started to play some delightful controlled rugby and a sweeping move put Sam Portland in possession near the halfway line. Seeing a gap he accelerated through beating three defenders before scoring a try converted by Craig Burgess. It was as well that he did score as the unmarked Tim Lloyd was screaming for the ball outside him!

Within five minutes Chiltern were again pressing forward, this time backs and forwards combining well but David Skelton was brought down a few metres short of the try line. However, “Man of the Match” George Bartlett scored the classic No7 try, being first to the breakdown, picking up the ball whilst at pace and diving over the line; converted by Burgess.

Chiltern were now dominant as Newton Abbot tired and excellent interplay between Scopes, Skelton and Gilbert created space out wide for Sam Portland in Chiltern’s own 22. Seeing only two back row forwards ahead of him Portland took off rounding both players before outpacing the covering defence for the bonus point try which was unconverted.

A welcome return to winning ways for the First XV was accompanied by splendid victories for the 2XV, 3XV and 4XV (walkover) as well as Colts A and Colts B in impressive league wins.

Psychologically an excellent result for Chiltern, still missing five regulars, and puts them in good heart for the first leg of the Bucks Cup Final against Buckingham, away next week, kick-off 2pm

Match Report by Charles Owen-Conway