Drama on and off the pitch

Match report by Richard Bobbett

Fog caused delays at Gatwick Airport early on Saturday morning, resulting in a very late arrival in Guernsey, so playing time was reduced to 35 mins each way and half time to 5 mins.

A difficult day for the travelling team, with last minute changes meaning that Head Coach Richie Williams had to get his boots on and start at 10.

Guernsey started the match strongly; their pack clearly had dominance in the set piece which put Chiltern under severe pressure. This induced a number of errors, each of which were punished by a try. With just one penalty kick by Andy Fluker, Chiltern looked a poor second best, down 21-3 at half time.

However, there was a much better performance in the second half, as the team were cheered on by a vociferous but small group of travelling supporters. They were rewarded with two tries; firstly from substitute David John stepping in from the wing went under the posts.

Then, minutes later, Chris Jack scored following a sustained period of pressure and at 28-15 Chiltern had clawed their way back into the contest, helped by the referee dispensing two yellow cards to Guernsey in quick succession. Playing against 13, the momentum had clearly swung to Chiltern and if they managed to score again, the game was in the balance.

However, a loose ball dropped on our 22 and Guernsey ran under the posts to relieve the pressure, final score 35-15 (please note RFU).

Work to do in our set piece, but some great spells of open rugby to cheer spectators and players alike. We could hold heads high on a spirited performance and look forward to next week’s match against Shelford.

*above match photo courtesy of Martin Gray