Chilts stunning first half could not be maintained

Despite the long journey, Chiltern started full of confidence against the League high-flyers and scored only three minutes after the kick-off through an interception by fly-half David Hughes that resulted in a try under the posts for skipper Craig Webb. Hughes converted for a 0-7 lead.

Ten minutes later, some excellent passing amongst the backs gave winger Tim Lloyd a try in the corner, this time not converted. Shortly after, some great handling and swift passing led to a third try scored by David Hughes, also sadly unconverted, but giving A&C a stunning 0-17 lead. At this juncture, Chiltern were rampant and also defending well, but just before half-time the home side were awarded a penalty, converted, to narrow the lead to 3-17.

Newton Abbot came out for the second half seemingly a different side. Their forwards started to dominate both the set piece and the loose and drove Chiltern back through well controlled rolling mauls which the visitor’s forwards were unable to contain. From such a maul came Newton Abbot’s first try, not converted, but shortly after, a similar move led to a converted try and then minutes later two successive converted penalties gave them the lead at 21-17. Chiltern tried to get back into the game, but with ten minutes to go, the home side backs scored a final converted try to seal the win at 28-17 and deny the visitors a deserved bonus point.

This was a great first half performance by Chiltern and it was a shame that the momentum could not have been sustained. There is now, however, a good degree of confidence amongst the players and with more key players due to return from injury soon and some home games against less strong opposition coming up, hopes are high for continuing the winning streak of the previous two weeks.