Fielding a much more stable side, Chiltern were more confident going into the match and that confidence was well placed as they ran out comfortable winners by 24-15.

On a bright but cold day, Chiltern looked understandably nervous as Tring kicked off, conceding early turnover ball and two lineouts which helped Tring to an early forwards led try in the corner, wonderfully converted by their full back for a 0-7 lead.

On another day Chiltern might have showed impatience but with the outstanding Morgan Thompson marshalling both forwards and backs and Ross Bugden probing the Tring defence, Chiltern gradually took control of the game and after 17 minutes, patiently going through phase after phase, the ball was worked left and Rhys Keith dived over for Chiltern’s first try which was not converted.
Chiltern were playing some lovely rugby and after 25 minutes Tring conceded a penalty which was kicked by Jack Kenyon for an 8-7 lead. Chiltern’s scrum was performing well and time and again Thompson and Bugden forced Tring backwards with sniping runs and delicate chip kicks.

It was no surprise that following another well worked move Chiltern extended their lead through a try by Sam Portland which was again unconverted. 13-7 to Chiltern at half time who had played against a very difficult wind in the first half.
Chiltern continued where they left off after half time and after some concerted driving forward play were awarded another penalty kicked by Kenyon to extend Chiltern’s lead to 16-7.

Good play by both sides accompanied by strong defence slowed the scoring although Chiltern’s pack were performing well, admirably led by man of the match Perez Jack at No.8.

The clock ticked on until about 10 minutes were remaining when Chiltern scored the try of the match. Some thunderous driving from the forwards saw the ball whipped across the backs before Rhys Keith rifled a 30 metre pass to debutant Philip Blake who took the ball at full speed to race over in the corner 21-7 and the game as good as won.

Tring never gave up and with about five minutes left worked an excellent try for the their right wing 21-12 and within two minutes kicked a penalty to put them within bonus point range.

However Chiltern were having none of that and a searing backs run saw Chris Jack chip over last man Tring’s full back into the in-goal area as he looked for the bonus point try. He was however late tackled just five metres out and coolly Jack Kenyon stepped up to kick the penalty and leave Tring with nothing to show from some very enterprising play. [Ed: cannot think of a more obvious penalty try, yellow card to full back and 4th try bonus point to Chiltern.]

No league fixtures next week, of course, before hostilities resume with Chiltern making the trip to Bury St Edmunds who will be looking for revenge for their defeat at Weedon Lane earlier in the season.

In the meantime a very Happy Christmas to one and all and let’s hope for some great rugby in the New Year.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway