The day was damp and drizzly but the club’s inaugural Ladies Lunch brightened proceedings and after only 18 minutes Chiltern had scored the four tries they need to earn the bonus point. To be honest after just five minutes and two tries it was clear the game was going to be won and it only remained to see how many points would be scored.

Aggressive play straight from the kick exposed Letchworth’s fragile defence and after some missed tackles, Dave Francis went over in the corner for the first try. Regular kicker Andy Fluker was carrying a slight hamstring strain and after missing his first two kicks at goal, he handed the kicking duties to Joe Butler.

From the restart Chiltern went straight back upfield and some good driving forward play with Zane Turner and Tom Blackburn to the fore the ball was switched and a long pass Butler found right wing Matthew Mountford steaming up outside him and a good long pass allowed him to go over unopposed. 10-0 and only five minutes played.

Letchworth had struggled to field a team this week although their pack was big and strong and they repeatedly used that power to set up rolling maul after rolling maul. Chiltern’s defence stayed strong however and after 15 minutes, a Letchworth knock-on was picked up by Philip Blake who fed Joe Butler still inside the Chiltern half. A couple of dummies and Joe Butler was through and away, running away from the defence to score try number three under the posts, although somehow he managed to miss the conversion!

It really didn’t matter as quick hands made space for centre Aaron Doyle comfortably to outpace the defence for try number four and the bonus point. Five minutes later Tom Blackburn used his pace and power to break through again for another unconverted try. Two more tries followed, the first a trademark Sam Portland outside break and then Dave Francis going over for his second. 35-0, seven tries and still none converted!

As the clock ticked down Chiltern gave away a penalty and from the ensuing line out Letchworth drove over the line for an excellent forwards try which was converted, 35-7 at half time.

The restart was delayed as the ref went missing for several minutes, the rumour is his half time cup of tea was too hot to drink!

The second half was perhaps something of an anti-climax as Chiltern struggled to keep their concentration but Joe Butler, Tom Blackburn and Sam Portland each crossed for their second tries and Philip Blake also got in on the act with a splendid break and powerful run to the line for Chiltern’s 11th and final try whilst Joe Butler managed three conversions. Letchworth never gave up trying and their forwards were rewarded with two more tries to leave the final score 61-17.

This was hooker Zane Turner’s last home match before returning to New Zealand and it was a fitting send off for a wonderful player and individual who been a club favourite for the two years he has spent with us.

Next Saturday is “D Day” as we travel to Barking in search of the final bonus point victory - we want as many supporters to cheer on the team as possible, so please make a special effort to be at the game.

"C’mon you Chiltern boys", you have entertained us royally throughout the season and played some fabulous rugby. All our thoughts will be with you next week.