London Irish always put out a strong side and were playing at Level 4 last season - it showed. They have a huge catchment area; basically if you live in London and you’re Irish, you aspire to play for London irish. Their Mini and Junior sections are truly enormous, with very strong A, B, C and D teams in all age groups, all feeding into the senior teams.

Unfortunately, at this early stage of the season, A&C already have major injury issues with players in several key positions. However, they started the match reasonably well and, despite giving away an early penalty that was converted, produced their best move of the game after ten minutes. Going through a number of phases, involving great support play and ball retention, took them up to the visitor’s 5 metre line. From a rucked ball, scrum-half Rhys Keith produced an acrobatic dive over a pile of bodies to score a good try near the posts, converted by Jack Kenyon, to give A&C the lead at 7-3. Soon after, a penalty converted again by Kenyon made it 10-3.

The game seemed to be evenly matched with two good teams. But somehow, London Irish took control of the game. Their heavy front five started to dominate the scrum and their line-out jumpers won their own ball quite comfortably whilst spoiling Chiltern’s ball. Must mention Chiltern’s hooker Zane Turner for winning a scrum ‘against the head’ - rare these days and he’s done it a few times this season already.

However, when Chiltern did win possession they didn’t take sufficient advantage. Some aimless kicking failed to gain territory and gave possession away, often straight to Irish defenders who counter-attacked.

Although behind at this point, London Irish didn’t panic. They were calm, controlled, played the percentages and brought that Level 4 experience to bear. They began dominating in the forwards and after immense pressure they were awarded a penalty try for the collapsing of a scrum near the A&C’s try line, converted to level the scores at 10-10. Playing with increasing confidence, a fine break by Irish’s fly-half put his centre in for a well-taken try, unconverted but a 10-15 score. Yet another penalty for a scrum infringement by Chiltern meant that the visitors went in for half time with a healthy 10-18 lead.

After the restart, London Irish increased their grip of the match - aided by two A&C yellow cards. A further Irish try was answered with a Chiltern penalty, making the score 13-23. Chiltern hung on for the rest of the half with some brave tackling that prevented any further score, but in injury time, Irish forced a line-out on A&C’s 10 metre line on the left. A catch-and-drive for the line was held up, but when the ball was released, the classy visitor’s fly-half produced a beautifully weighted chip for his centre to run on to and to score near the post, not converted, and the final score a well deserved 13-28 win to the visitors.

Two apparently similar teams, both playing running positive rugby. How did London Irish win? That’s what A&C has to learn.

A wake up call. Let’s hope for good news next week on the injury front.

PS: The hugely successful and well attended A&C Sponsors Luncheon took place before the match as a thank you to its sponsors by the Club. First XV Captain Tom Grammenos found time just before kick-off to say a few words which was very much appreciated. He said afterwards that he was more nervous speaking to the packed clubhouse than of facing London Irish.