Ruislip won the toss and asked Chiltern to play with the wind and the slope, and perhaps it all seemed a bit too easy. Huge territorial gains but sloppy overconfident play stopped the boys taking advantage of the elements. However, as they started to calm down, the gaps began to open and after some nice interplay between forwards and backs, powerful flanker Dave Francis went through a gap and had the pace and power to get to the line for a good try, well converted in the very difficult wind by Andy Fluker.

The Chiltern scrum which was dominant throughout the game was causing Ruislip all ends of trouble and two penalties came in quick succession. The second was from an easier position and Andy Fluker took the 3 points on offer.

Ruislip then gained some good territory and started using a rolling maul to good effect. Chiltern had an opportunity to clear their lines but a missed touch kick saw Ruislip take advantage to set up an excellent drive and score their first but unconverted try.

Chiltern seemed unable to use the wind advantage to any great effect and it wasn’t until the 25th minute when yet another scrum infringement gave Andy Fluker the chance to extend the lead to 13-5. Chiltern were starting to make space out wide and although they lost centre Aaron Doyle who took a heavy shoulder knock, Sam Portland came on to give a good inside pass to Joe Butler who sliced through some weak tackling to score an excellent unconverted try which took the score to 18-5 at half time.

Clearly some strong words were said at half time as Chiltern were a different side in the second half. Their concentration in the teeth of the wind was exemplary and time and again their driving running and superb support play stared to pay off. First some delightful handling from the backs created space for Joe Butler to dummy and accelerate for a try under the posts, converted by Andy Fluker; who then got into the action again when Chiltern ran the ball back at Ruislip form the half way line and an inside pass saw him dive over wide out for the bonus point try. He was unable to convert it against the wind, but Chiltern were away and clear at 32-5.

Ruislip did take advantage of an offside by Chiltern to slip through for a second and this time converted try 32-12. Then the flood gates opened! The Chiltern running and handling was quite superb as they ran the Ruislip side ragged. Right wing George Wood went over after a move that started in the Chiltern 22 and then Andy Zair scored after the outstanding forwards, Zane Turner and Dave Francis, splintered the Ruislip defence. This was converted by Andy Fluker who then supported a strong run from Sam Portland who found George Wood on his elbow, who accelerated outside his opposite wing and a final sidestep took him over the line.

There was just enough time left for one more long range thrust. This time it was Tom Handford who carved through the middle, several off loads later a delicate overhead pass by Dave Francis was somehow caught by Andy Fluker who dived over in the corner for the 8th and last try.

54-12 the final score and frankly this in no way flattered Chiltern particularly after their second half performance.

The supporters who braved the elements had been richly rewarded as did those who were supporting the 2s and 3s who also recorded excellent wins to make a triple triple - three wins by three teams in three weeks in a row!

Next week Chiltern travel to play Old Priorians who have enjoyed a good start to the season so it will be a good test for the boys who now sit proudly on the top of the league as their promotion push continues to gain momentum.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway