So near again as Chiltern succumb with two minutes to go

A very solid performance against the fourth placed side saw Chiltern lead for almost the whole game but they again failed to close out the match with victory in sight.
The game got off to a fast pace although indiscipline saw Chiltern concede three penalties in the first ten minutes which were fortunately all missed. Chiltern’s response was exhilarating and clinical. Ross Bugden, who was man of the match, chipped the ball over the Chichester three-quarters in his own 22, regathered and raced away. Sam Portland was up in support, took the pass on halfway beat two men before delivering a return pass to Ross Bugden who scored wide out. One of the best tries seen at Chiltern for a very long time and although the conversion was missed Chiltern were buzzing. It was now Chichester’s turn to start offending and a penalty was nicely slotted by Dan Wood, 8-0 to Chiltern.
Chichester responded strongly and after some determined forward pressure the ball was switched wide for an unconverted try in the corner, 8-5 to Chiltern. Again play switched ends and after some controlled attacks a nicely weighted kick to the corner by player coach Richie Williams, making his playing debut, was recycled and Dom Jones scored his first try for the club; the conversion was again missed but 13-5 to Chiltern. With about five minutes to go to half time Chiltern were harshly penalised when Chichester kicked the ball back into the scrum. By this time Dan Wood had come off the scrum and was wrongly penalised and yellow carded, Chichester kicked the penalty so 13-8 to Chiltern at half time.
The second half was not easy for either side with the light fading fast making passing and handling difficult. A couple of good attacking chances for Chiltern went begging followed by a sloppy piece of work near their own tryline letting Chichester in for a converted try. 13-15 to Chichester who now led for the first time in the match.
Chiltern came back strongly and pressed again and again. Sam Portland was badly taken out in the air which amazingly was not spotted or penalised by the referee, however another infringement by Chichester saw Jack Kenyon kick a long 45 metre penalty and Chiltern were back in front 16-15 with about five minutes to go but they again failed to close out the match.
An unnecessary knock on and a silly penalty gave Chichester a foothold in Chiltern’s 22 and with two minutes to go Chichester's fly half kicked the winning drop goal 16-18 to Chichester leaving a bereft Chiltern with just a losing bonus point .
The play is better, the attitude good and with a bit more patience Chiltern will start turning these narrow losses into wins!