Chiltern have started to develop the good habit of winning when not playing that well

After a thrilling victory two weeks ago, the appalling recent weather led to Oxford’s ground being flooded so the game was switched to the second team pitch which was on a severe slope with a strong wind from end to end. Chiltern lost the toss and struggled to get any rhythm into their play. An early penalty from Dave Hughes was followed by some excellent defending by Oxford and knock-ons and forward passes from Chiltern. Eventually Chiltern’s superiority told and after three penalties close to the Oxford line, quick thinking from Hilton Mudariki saw him dive over under the posts. Dave Hughes converted and Chiltern went to half time 0-10 ahead.

Having played with the wind and the slope, this was a very slender lead and following another fumble in midfield which was then played in an offside position, the Oxford fly half, who was a real live wire throughout the game, kicked the goal and shortly afterwards converted a try in the corner to bring the scores level.

This finally seemed to wake Chiltern from their slumbers and some better passing saw Tim Lloyd put a beautifully weighted kick behind the defenders and was quick enough to race through, collect the ball on the bounce and dive over for an unconverted try. Not long after another excellent piece of play saw Ross Bugden, back for the first time this season, make a half break but his scoring pass to Dan Toms drifted agonisingly forward.

Undaunted Chiltern launched wave after wave of attacks which were rewarded by Tom Blackburn going over for Chiltern’s third try, well converted from wide out by Hilton Mudariki. 10-22 up Chiltern were looking for the bonus point try and brought another two returning stalwarts to the field as substitutes, Darren Smith and Jacques Naud. Darren was immediately into the action with some ferocious tackling, one of which gave Chiltern yet another good attacking position but unbelievably a third forward pass snuffed out the move. It was then Oxford’s turn to press and a driving maul saw them rewarded with their second try in the corner. Fortunately for Chiltern it was too little too late and despite a late yellow card for Wayne Wilson, Chiltern held on to secure another victory and four valuable points.

Oxford were very strong defensively and the arrival of several Tongans certainly strengthened their side - though, it's good to play them before the Varsity Match. This win puts more daylight between Chiltern and the four teams below us in the league.

Even on a very cold day with biting wind and England playing the All Blacks, it's a pleasure to watch our Chiltern Boys play their attacking and committed rugby.