...running strongly from deep at their smaller opponents and causing the home side problems all afternoon. Although the try score was two each, the pressure that the hard-running Bracknell back line continually exerted on them caused Chiltern to give away numerous penalties, which ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. However, Chiltern tackled heroically, more than held their own in the set piece and showed individual speed and handling abilities in scoring two excellent tries that denied Bracknell any hint of a bonus point and gave themselves belief that they could still snatch victory up until the final whistle.

Chiltern was under pressure from the kick-off and gave away their first penalty after only two minutes that gave the visitors an easy 3 points. This was followed minutes later by good field position gained by Bracknell and a snap drop goal by the fly-half for a 0–6 lead. Chiltern then began to play with more confidence and a penalty converted by Ross Bugden brought the score back to 3–6, but this was cancelled out by another penalty conversion by the visitors and a 3–9 lead. With 27 minutes gone Chiltern produced a great move with the ball passed swiftly along the line to the right, finding winger, Blayne Underwood in space. He made some good ground and then found centre, Matt Gilbert, in support for a try wide out on the right, unfortunately unconverted, but bringing the score to 8–9 and Chiltern very much still in the game. Yet another penalty as a result of Bracknell pressure, however, gave them a half-time lead of 8–12.

The second half commenced with more pressure from the visitors and a penalty kick found touch only a couple of metres from the home side’s line on the left. A catch and drive was initially held up, but finally resulted in a try for the visitors, very well converted from wide out, increasing the lead to 8–19. With Chiltern down to 14 men following the sin-binning of scrum-half, Rhys Keith, Bracknell found an overlap on the right and scored in the corner. The conversion was missed, but the visitors stretched further ahead to 8–24. With 28 minutes gone and the game seemingly lost, Chiltern suddenly showed how they lacked nothing in spirit and a fine spell of play developed. The ball was recycled continuously and moved at pace from one side of the pitch to the other, both forwards and backs involved and finally Ross Bugden slipped the cover and scored under the posts, converting the try himself and reducing the lead to 15–24. Time, however, was slipping away for the home side and their frustration started to appear. With injury time approaching, two of their players were sin-binned and yet another penalty awarded. The kick, however, was missed to the relief of all the home players and supporters and the final whistle blew with Bracknell worthy winners at 15–24.

Next week Amersham & Chiltern make another long trek down to play Brixham in Devon, only two points behind them in the table and who will no doubt fancy their chances to improve on this. Despite two losses, Chiltern have proved that they are a side not to be taken lightly.