A poor game and a disappointing result

Old Reds were clearly looking for revenge and have since strengthened their side with one former international, a Wales A hooker and two other ex-Premiership players.

A good start by Chiltern was squandered with some sloppy ball retention and against the run of play Old Reds went ahead with a simple penalty. Old Reds then clearly upset the referee who over the course of the next 20 minutes dished out yellow cards to both Old Reds flankers. With one still off the field Chiltern started to play some decent rugby and after quick recycling were awarded a penalty which Steve Scopes was unable to convert. However, Chiltern kept pressing and another penalty saw them kick for the corner. A great lineout catch and drive saw hooker Ryan Cole driven over the line for a try brilliantly converted from the touchline by Scopes.

There was no more scoring before half time but early in the second half with Chiltern pressing, a good backs move was cynically and illegally stopped near the try line resulting in another Old Reds yellow card. With thee opposition two players short, Chiltern opted for the lineout option but poor control saw Old Reds clear their lines.

A wayward kick out of defence by Chiltern led to Old Reds kicking well to the corner and Chiltern were forced to concede a 5-metre scrum. Unfortunately, the referee was struggling to come to terms with the vagaries of the scrum and decided that Chiltern were solely to blame! After giving two penalties to Old Reds he then yellow carded one Chiltern player and subsequently awarded Old Reds a penalty try.

Another sloppy piece of play by Chiltern saw Old Reds press again and another yellow card for a Chiltern player. With two players down another penalty try was awarded before a final backs move saw Old Reds score a last minute converted try.

It was a frustrating game with neither side able to work with the referee’s law interpretations despite both sides wanting to try to pay some open rugby. A game to put down to experience before Chiltern entertain high flying Redingensians next week at Weedon Lane.

Match Report by Charles Owen-Conway