Gutsy Chiltern fall a little short against league leaders London Irish

An absorbing first ten minutes saw both sides playing good quality rugby with chances at both ends. Chiltern were not overawed but a missed touch kick gave London Irish good possession in Chiltern’s 22 and although the defence was good, after a couple of phases Irish were awarded a penalty which was kicked by the outstanding Irish centre, 3-0. It had no effect on Chiltern’s attacking intent and following seriously good play from forwards and backs, debutant Jonny Hughes made a lovely break before handing onto the outstanding George Bartlett who went over for Chiltern’s first try; the conversion from wide out was missed but now 3–5 to Chiltern.

A second penalty to Irish took them back into the lead but that was countered very quickly by a penalty from Dan Wood, 6-8 to Chiltern. More excellent interplay took Chiltern back into the Irish half and an indiscretion by the Irish No.8 saw him sin binned for ten minutes. Chiltern took advantage of their numerical advantage and another piece of strong running saw Rhys Keith, in his last game for the club, dive over for a cracking try which was converted by Dan Wood 6-15 to Chiltern. Irish are not top of the league by mistake however and a sustained piece of play saw them create an overlap which resulted in an unconverted try for their right wing. With their tails up and back to 15 players Irish attacked again and a lovely switch move gave their full back a try right by the posts 18-15 to Irish.

Chiltern were still playing excellent rugby although they lost Tom Shiel to a nasty looking finger injury but ten minutes before half time Dan Wood attempted a 45 metre penalty which drifted just wide, but sustained Chiltern pressure gave him another chance and this time from 48 metres he slotted the kick which sent the teams in 18-18 at half time.

Chiltern were further disrupted when Callum Reid-Jones had to be replaced with a leg injury. A couple of mistakes, a missed tackle and a missed penalty kick to touch gave Irish the field position they needed and they responded with two converted tries 32-18 to Irish. Chiltern were never out of this game, their pack had the edge in the scrums and with the lineout working well they attacked strongly. A penalty to Chiltern was kicked to touch in the Irish 22 and a lovely catch off the top left a gap for the splendid Morgan Thompson to dart through and score wide out; 32-23 to Irish.

Chiltern continued to attack and after another good catch and drive they were held up inches short of the try line when a try would have given them a try bonus point.

Irish were then very fortunate that a forward pass was not spotted by any of the three match officials in the build up to Irish last try which was unconverted. Chiltern continued to press but could not get that fourth try and it was left to Irish to move three scores clear when they kicked a final penalty, 40-23 to them.

It was a flattering scoreline even though on balance Irish were just the better side. Chiltern certainly deserved one if not two bonus points but it was a hugely encouraging performance with some outstanding team work and individual contributions. George Bartlett was the stand out flanker on the field whilst Jonny Hughes had a brilliant debut.

It sets up Chiltern to really move on from here and to secure National 3 status over the next few games. It is a spare weekend next Saturday before the vital home game against CS Rugby on 31 January, kick off 2pm.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway