Despite the dreadful weather with driving wind and rain sweeping down the pitch, Chiltern disposed of a plucky Chelmsford side who never stopped trying throughout the game.

Chiltern were asked to play with the elements in the first half and were understandably nervous after last week’s defeat. It took some time to settle and after 15 minutes all they had to show for their evident superiority was a penalty from Andy Fluker. In that time they also lost influential No8 Jordan Scott with a tweaked hamstring. This meant an early debut for 18 year old Joe Batt, who proceeded to exceed all expectations and deliver a man of the match performance.

The Chiltern forwards were much too strong for the Chiltern pack and following a 40 metre break from tight head prop Garret Doman-Cann, the subsequent lineout led to a push over try. Chiltern were now camped in Chelmsford’s half and some strong driving play and clever off loading saw three more tries scored before half time to secure the invaluable bonus point - HT score 29-0.

By the time the second half started, the weather conditions had got even worse and it was a struggle for Chiltern to make any headway against the wind and rain. Although this gave Chelmsford the opportunity of good field positions they were unable to capitalise by scoring.

Joe Batt finally took matters into his own hands and a 25 metre carry off the back of a scrum saw Chiltern reassert their superiority. Two tries followed quickly both converted by Andy Fluker. One to the try scoring machine Joe Butler, for his second of the match, and the other to debutant Matthew Mountford, formerly of Chinnor and Rugby Lions. A final try and a consolation score for Chelmsford left Chiltern winners by 46-5.

Pre-match leaders Tring could only scrape a narrow win without a bonus point, lifting Chiltern back on top of the table with a narrow one point lead.

There is a break next week before Chiltern travel to Norfolk to face North Walsham, who lie fifth in the table.

This was a very satisfactory response after last week and it leaves promotion in Chiltern’s hands… win every game with a bonus point and promotion is secure. Not a lot to ask!