Tring, who also play at Level 5 in the National 3 London, had already played several warm up games including an impressive away win at Chippenham, but this was Chiltern’s first match of the new campaign.

Tring started strongly but the Chiltern defence was robust and the home side was soon attacking the Tring try line. Indiscipline and some understandable rustiness however, saw several promising moves break down and some opportunities go begging. There were some flashes of individual enterprise but neither side could fashion a score and half time was reached at 0-0.

Chiltern started the second half well but again turnovers and sloppy play allowed Tring to counter attack and score a good unconverted try wide out, score 0-5. This seemed to galvanise Chiltern and having started to settle down, some strong forward play, led by new skipper Tom Grammenos, led to the ball being recycled several times before a lovely delayed pass from Ross Bugden put centre Dave Skelton through a gap and he found full back Chris Jack on his shoulder to cross for an excellent try. The kick was missed but Chiltern were coming more and more into the game, 5-5. Next, a fine break by Perez Jack saw a long miss pass brilliantly taken by Blayne Underwood who scored wide out, this time converted by Ross Bugden for 12-5.

Tring were always looking to attack with their full back to the fore and a sliced kick saw him beat three defenders with a great run to score in the corner, the kiss was missed. With time running out, Tring were awarded a penalty in front of the posts; 2 minutes to go 12–13 to Tring!

This Chiltern side are nothing if not resilient and a great restart saw them regain the ball, with 18 year old debutant hooker Ryan Cole driving forward and making just enough space for Dave Skelton to slice through for the winning try under the posts, converted again by Bugden, for the final score of 19-13.

A thoroughly entertaining game in front of a large crowd was hugely encouraging for Chiltern. Despite missing four first choice players, the growing strength in depth is great news as we look forward to the new season.