Chiltern chose to play against the elements and made a dream start after only three minutes. Winning quick ball from a lineout, a lovely pop pass to Dave Francis saw the dynamic flanker make a clean break up to half way. He found Joe Butler on his shoulder who in turn slipped the ball to Josh Davies who tore through the visitors defence before passing back to Joe Butler who strolled over under the posts. The try was converted by Andy Fluker, who had another wonderful 100%, 8 out of 8, day with his kicking.

North Walsham are a decent side and after eight minutes a lovely weighted kick to their right winger saw him slide past the Chiltern cover for an equalising converted try under the posts.

Chiltern were playing some really intelligent rugby against the elements and drove Walsham back again and again, but were held at bay by some excellent defence. Nevertheless on 20 minutes the cheekiest pass by Ted Reus backwards between his legs found Joe Butler in acres of space and he ran in his second try, duly converted by Andy Fluker.

Unfortunately Chiltern then had Dave Francis sin binned for a reflex but ultimately dangerous tackle and after several lineouts and driving mauls Chiltern were penalised once too often and the referee awarded a penalty try, which was an entirely understandable decision. The conversion brought the scores level again at 14-14.

It stayed like that until the last play of the first half when Chiltern won the ball at a lineout on the North Walsham 10 metre line. This time Joe Butler found Dave Francis on his shoulder to take a pass at pace. He sliced through the defence and had the speed to make the line for Chiltern’s third try which Andy Fluker again converted for a very satisfying half time lead of 21-14, against the wind and rain.

Chiltern pretty much controlled the second half as the light faded quickly with Andy Fluker kicking three penalties from all sorts of distances and angles to keep the scoreboard ticking over. North Walsham scored two more tries, one of which was converted, for their own bonus point but another delicious break by Joe Butler completed his hat-trick of tries and secure the bonus point and one more penalty by Andy Fluker made the final score 40-26.

This was a first class result against a very decent team. The fitness and organisation of the Chiltern team was again evident and keeps them close on league leaders Brentwood’s heels.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway