On a cold blustery day but on a dry firm pitch, Chiltern played up the slope in the first half and from the kick off secured possession and mounted wave upon wave of attacks. The ball was constantly recycled and after only 5 minutes and strong forward momentum the ball was spun wide for Aaron Doyle to round the defence for an excellent first try. The conversion was missed, indeed it was not one of Andy Fluker’s best kicking days as he only managed to convert 3 of the 9 tries in an otherwise excellent display of scrum half play.

Ruislip enjoyed some good territory but found the league’s best defence simply too hard to break down. Philip Blake who enjoyed a really strong day in the centre put in a massive tackle and with space and quick turnover ball, the play was switched left, right and back again for Chiltern and Aaron Doyle’s second try, this time converted by Andy Fluker, 0-12 and Chiltern in total control. Chiltern’s scrum was going well but some sloppy lineouts conceded possession to Ruislip on several occasions but try as they might their defence was simply immovable. Chiltern’s excellent number 8 Jordan Scott had to leave the field with a leg injury but Tom Blackburn came on to play one his best games for Chiltern. Focussed and so strong in his running he repeatedly made yard after yard.

After 30 minutes Chiltern scored one the best tries of the season. Possession secured on halfway they moved up the field recycled the ball over 20 times demonstrating massive patience and calmness. Finally Ruislip just ran out of defenders and there was loose head Joe Winpenny to touch down in the corner, 0-17 and seemingly out of sight. However some careless play gave Ruislip a penalty around halfway. Their excellent 9 took it quickly and scythed through the Chiltern defence finding his 10 in support for a converted try under the posts, 7-17.

With time running out Chiltern responded aggressively and again excellent interplay and ball retention gave James McLoughlin space to outflank his opposite wing and cross for the bonus point try, converted by Andy Fluker, for a 7-24 half time lead.

The second half continued in much the same vein with Chiltern dominating possession especially in the scrum. Ruislip had no answer for a rampant Chiltern side although over complication probably cost Chiltern 2 or 3 more tries. It would however be churlish to be too critical as the boys scored another 5 tries in the second half.

James McLoughlin’s second and following a searing break by Philip Blake, Aaron Doyle’s hat trick was crowned by a 3rd try in 15 minutes this time for Matthew Mountford taking Chiltern away and clear.

A succession of scrum penalties gave Tom Blackburn a try to take Chiltern over 40 points and on 33 minutes Philip Blake got his just rewards with a lovely outside break which showed his strength and determination and the final try, which was converted by Andy Fluker, for a 7-51 lead. Attempting yet another ambitious miss pass, Ruislip gleefully secured an interception try to leave the final score 14-51 to Chiltern.

Job done and the welcome news that although Tring won, they had failed to secure a bonus point, which increased Chiltern’s lead at the top of the table to two points. Four games to go and 4 wins and 3 bonus points needed to be Champions.

The circus moves on and 2 April sees Chiltern looking to gain revenge against Old Priorians, who turned us over at their place. It is President’s Luncheon day and a big crowd will be cheering the boys on. They are certainly up for it and are looking forward to the occasion.