So far yet so close!

There were eight forced changes from last week's 18, but despite this they pushed the Devon side all the way, just losing out to a last gasp penalty giving the home side a 23-20 victory.

A large contingent of travelling supporters enjoyed the late autumn sunshine on coast and were hugely impressed by their team, who secured the losing bonus. It was exciting to see a crop of young home grown players taking their opportunity so well, but a special mention goes to Head Coach Craig Burgess, who dusted his boots down and stepped into the vacant scrum half position. He demonstrated he hasn't lost any of his skill and he brought the game to life in the 46th minute with a charge down and try under the posts.

Chiltern started the match brightly taking the early opportunities to let their backs run the ball wide and this set the pattern for the afternoon, with Chiltern looking to use their talented back line, and Brixham keeping the ball close to their big forward pack. Despite early dominance, it was Brixham who opened the scoring on 10 minutes with a penalty kick.

Chiltern replied at midway point of the half, when Dave John, making his debut at this level, intercepted and dashed 50 metres to set a try under the posts for Dave Skelton, converted by skipper for the day Ross Bugden. Brixham hit back with two quick tries exposing Chiltern on wing with tries in each corner; neither was converted, so the half time score was 13-7.

Chiltern started the second half full of confidence with an early penalty by Ross Bugden, and then a charge down by scrum half Craig Burgess, who pounced on the loose ball to score under the posts; the conversion was added by Bugden and Chiltern were leading 13-17. Both teams pushed on to get the win. Brixham went back to their strength in the pack and forced a penalty try from a driving maul, to retake the lead. But lack of discipline cost them a yellow card and a penalty in front of the posts, taken by Bugden. So, with a few minutes to go the score was level at 20-20.

Unfortunately, the referee took a dim view to another collapsed maul and sin binned the impressive back row debutant George Bartlett, a product of the Chiltern's youth system. He was awarded 'Man of the Match' by injured Club Captain Tom Grammenos after the game - looking forward to the battle to regain that shirt! Chiltern responded by bringing on the experienced front row James Schofield to steady the pack, but Brixham had the last chance, when the referee gave one of those penalties that can easily go either way, but they gladly took the kick to secure a 23-20 victory.

Other players making their season's First XV debut were Elliot Turner, Tristan Lothian and James Schofield; also Gareth Wherle put in a strong performance at number 8. Next week Chiltern face Chippenham at home. The boys are determined to put in a great performance and would like to thank all the supporters who made the longest away trip of the season.

Match Report by Richard Bobbett