After the huge disappointment of last year’s, last day relegation, Chiltern bounced straight back up with another scintillating performance against brave Barking, scoring 12 tries in the process.

It was a fitting end to a marvellous season which saw Chiltern record their highest points total ever, 1038, and only concede 369, which means that over 26 league games the average score was 39-14.

A large crowd of supporters travelled to cheer on their boys and were not disappointed. The aim was simple, 4 tries and a win would give Chiltern the 5 points they needed to win the league whilst just a win would have seen Tring come out on top and the loser into a play off.

The boys were sent on to the pitch with vociferous support and after Barking failed to kick the ball 10m, from the resulting scrum the ball was whipped out to Joe Butler who ghosted through the defence from the half way line to score the first try after just 2 minutes of play. The wind was very strong and extremely cold and made kicking difficult, the conversion was missed but it hardly mattered as after only 7 minutes Chiltern again created space on the left for Sam Portland to accelerate outside his opponent and race over for try number 2 which also went unconverted.

Chiltern were in complete control and strong running from Tom Blackburn, Dave Francis and Ollie Cato created havoc in the Barking defence. 10 minutes now gone and although he was still carrying a sore hamstring, Andy Fluker scythed through a gap and had enough space to score try number 3. Rather like last week, conversions seemed optional but the boys were by now only 1 try away from the bonus point.

It was perhaps fitting that, after his emotional trials this year, it was another searing break, this time by Aaron Doyle, that led to Sam Portland scoring his second and the side’s 4th and bonus point try after just 15 minutes. The crowd breathed a huge sigh of relief as they and the players could now relax and play some outstanding, professional rugby.

2 more tries from Joe Butler and Tom Handford, both converted by Joe Butler took Chiltern away and clear but it still left time for the biggest cheer of the afternoon to greet the final try of the first half. Quick ruck ball was fed out to hooker Zane Turner on Barking’s 10m line. Two broken tackles and a side step took “Nuggy” clear and over for try number 7 underneath the posts. What a fitting end to Zane Turner’s 2 year spell with Chiltern. He has been a joy to work with and his popularity with the whole squad was evident as he was mobbed by the whole team.

The second half was perhaps something of an anti-climax as Chiltern struggled with some rather strange refereeing decisions but it didn’t stop them scoring a further 5 tries, another each for Portland and Butler giving them both hat tricks and a try apiece for Jordan Scott, Aaron Doyle and Andy Zair, 2 of which were converted by Butler.

Barking played much better in the second half and were rewarded with 2 tries themselves making the final score 10-70 to Chiltern.

Wild scenes greeted the final whistle as the boys rightly celebrated a magnificent performance. This group of players have been committed and strong, supporting each other through various trying times. Skipper Tom Grammenos, and Head Coach Richie Williams praised the players’ attitude and skill and called for the evening’s celebrations to begin.

Level 5 and National League rugby will return to Weedon Lane again next season but for now a couple of months well earned rest to recharge their batteries before embarking on a campaign which will be tough and challenging but one which the club is confident it can meet with relish.

Congratulations to all those who have contributed so much this year particularly to Head Coach, Richie Williams and his able lieutenants Jason Bowers, [b]Peter Gibson and Sam Portland who are all up for the challenge again next year.

Just finally a thank you to all those who have worn the Chiltern shirt with such pride this season from all your grateful supporters.