High flying Tring have had an excellent start this season, winning five of their first six matches. However, they were no match for a confident Chiltern team who played with character, determination and skill to run out winners, scoring five tries.

With several players away at a wedding, Chiltern fielded six props in various positions and apart from struggling a little in the lineout, controlled the set pieces, rucks and mauls.

Early pressure in Tring’s 22 saw Chiltern awarded an early penalty, comfortably converted by Andy Fluker, making a first and impressive start at full back. Tring however came straight back and Chiltern in turn conceded a penalty to tie the score at 3-3. That proved to be Tring’s last score of the half as Chiltern took control. Strong forward pressure at the scrum turned over Tring ball and the ball was quickly switched by Joe Butler to the outstanding Dave Francis who gave a delightful overhead pass to Sam Portland who handed off the Tring centre and raced in for the first try in the corner beautifully converted by Andy Fluker.

Tring secured plenty of possession from the lineout but Chiltern’s defensive organisation constantly blunted their attacks and after 25 minutes Tom Handford, prop turned flanker, flattened the big Tring centre, Josh Davies was quick to kick the dropped ball forward and another kick on by Andy Fluker saw him outpace the Tring defence and score the 2nd try, which he duly converted. Tring were struggling to cope with Chiltern’s all round game. Half-time score, 17-3.

In the second half, Tring now had the wind in their favour. This they used well to get field position and after a poor Chiltern lineout, Tring mounted several attacks and were well rewarded with a try converted by their excellent number 10. Stung by this, back came Chiltern and forced a penalty which Andy Fluker kicked making it 20-10.

Then came the try of the game and possibly the season. Quick ball found Joe Butler on the half way line. A sidestep and a mazy run took him into the Tring 22, realising he wouldn’t get to the line himself he put in a delightful grubber kick which George Wood deftly collected as it bobbled towards the line, so easy to snatch at it but his patience was rewarded and over he went in the corner. Against the wind the try went unconverted.

Tring never gave up and launched wave on wave of attacks at Chiltern and on 61 minutes scored their second try after good approach play. The try was converted 25-17. Chiltern forwards now took charge and a huge drive saw Tring lose possession near their line. Chiltern reacted quickly but as the ball rolled over their try line a Tring player illegally stopped a Chiltern player getting to the ball. He was yellow carded and Chiltern awarded a penalty, but surprisingly not a penalty try. It didn’t matter as Chiltern opted for a scrum, drove Tring back and made space for Michael Brothers to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Chiltern had their bonus point.

Virtually the last play saw Chiltern score another excellent try, with the ball worked out to speedy George Wood, who had another excellent match. He broke the defence and finally gave a New Zealand style reverse pass to give Michael Brothers his second try. Game over 35-17 and a comprehensive victory.

This was a hugely satisfying game with the fitness and defensive structure of the whole team making it so difficult for Tring who showed their season’s start was no fluke. The quality of Chiltern’s play was outstanding at times and they were really well led by Joe Winpenny who captained the side for the first time.

There is no league fixture next weekend as it the Rugby World Cup Final. But, there is a Cup Final at Chiltern next Friday - Bucks Cup Final against Marlow, with an evening floodlit 7:30pm kick off.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway