Chiltern fall agonisingly short against league leaders

An absorbing and high quality contest saw Chiltern pipped by a very good Thurrock side who have spent the summer strengthening their side with three excellent South African players providing real impetus as they push for promotion.

However, despite a lengthening injury list which saw skipper Tom Grammenos and Sam Portland miss this match, Chiltern fought and challenged all game and led until ten minutes before the end.

Early pressure and strong support play forced Thurrock back and back before an exquisite cross kick by Joe Butler was pounced on by George Wood who went over for the first try, well converted by Andy Fluker.

Play continued at a high tempo from both sides and only strong defence kept either side from scoring for over 20 minutes before Thurrock managed to create a good overlap and score their first but unconverted try, 5-7. Chiltern were having none of this and attacked again and again. Ollie Cato, who had a storming game all afternoon, was held up just short of the line but as Chiltern tried to recycle the ball with a four man overlap, a Thurrock player dived through illegally and conceded a penalty try, converted by Andy Fluker for 5-14, which was the half time score.

Front row injuries and missing Tom Grammenos caused issues all afternoon for Chiltern at the scrum and lineout, but a long break by Jordan Scott and Andy Zair forced Thurrock to concede a penalty which was kicked by Andy Fluker 5-17.

The strong running South African full back was a real handful and he scored one and set up two more tries for Thurrock, none of which was converted. 20-17 with ten minutes to go.

Chiltern’s fitness was telling however but just as their scrum started to get on top Thurrock had to go to uncontested scrums! Chiltern threw everything at Thurrock and with the last play of the game broke away, but a brilliant covering tackle by the Thurrock wing hauled down Joe Butler as he went for glory.

So near, but a thrilling game. Thurrock are a very good side and will be hard to stop this year, but Chiltern can take great heart from this strong performance.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway