Chiltern secure precious double over North Walsham

In the absence of any A&C blazers and those with sufficient literary skills, the Chiltern Vets who travelled to support the First XV over the weekend have combined to write the match report. Memories at breakfast on Sunday were hazy at best, so here goes…

Match report by “Chiltern 100s”

Travelling to Norfolk, the team was apprehensive as North Walsham is a good club, with a good team and especially a good home record. On arrival, the pitch was very heavy and muddy, with equally heavy and black clouds above. Thankfully, the clouds blew over, but the scene reminded everyone of that unpleasant day in Tring just a few weeks ago.

The teams ran out to a noisy but polite reception from both home and away fans. It soon became apparent that Chiltern had learnt the lesson of that aforementioned day in Hertfordshire - and stuck to the game plan. Chiltern dominated the first half, with North Walsham hardly able to get out of their half despite having the favour of the gentle slope and breeze.

After five minutes, Chiltern pressure produced quick ball and Aaron Doyle was sprinting for the line, but was stopped five metres out whilst passing when it seemed simpler to take on the last man and score the try. But, no panic, Chiltern were well on top. Unfortunately, Chiltern’s scrum half Ted Reus badly twisted his knee and took no further part in the match.

The pitch became muddier and stickier as the game went on, and just running was difficult. The white ball quickly became brown and slippery which led to a number of handling errors when Chiltern were in good attacking positions.

After 35 minutes, with the score still 0-0, Chiltern made yet another dangerous attack with Tom Handford picking an excellent running line to score the first try, unconverted, for a half-time score of 0-5. Chiltern had played with a tough and determined attitude, giving no chances to the home team.

The second half continued as the first with Chiltern dominating most of the play. Pressure was building and Joe Butler added yet another try to his season’s tally, which was converted by Andy Fluker for a score of 0-12. Despite the domination, Chiltern were not comfortable with such a close score, but continued with the game plan.

The referee’s job became increasingly difficult as the players became covered in mud; one couldn’t tell which team was which. Offside became a lottery as both sets of forwards joined rucks and mauls from any direction.

Chiltern had showed tremendous discipline, but Captain Tom Grammenos was yellow carded for clearing out a player from an offside position. Down to 14 players, Chiltern attacked again and scored another try through Aaron Doyle, neatly making up for his earlier near effort, again converted by Andy Fluker for 0-19.

Soon after the Captain returned to the pitch, both Ollie Cato and Philip Blake were yellow carded, and Chiltern down to 13 players. North Walsham saw the opportunity and mounted wave after wave of attacks near Chiltern’s line. But, Chiltern’s fighting spirit and superior fitness kept them out. 

Back to 15 players and with the win secure, Chiltern pounded North Waltham’s defence in the last few minutes for the invaluable 4-try bonus point. A penalty was awarded on the five metres line, so Chiltern chose a scrum. North Waltham’s pack crumbled but another penalty was awarded. Another scrum led to a pushover try by No8 Tom Blackburn amidst loud and exuberant cheers. Andy Fluker converted from out wide into driving rain for a final score 0-26.

At the end of the match, the announcer meant “Good Riddance” as a compliment to Amersham & Chiltern, as he wished us the best in a higher league for next season. But promotion is still a long way off and by no means certain. We have yet to earn it.