Loyal Chiltern players and followers are used to the ever-present wind at Weedon Lane. But a bitter and biting wind from due North created such a chill factor that even Ranulph Fiennes would feel at home - but it didn't help create an open running match.

Chillern played against the wind and battled the elements in the first half, however it was CS Rugby who made the brightest start, securing a penalty to take a 0-3 lead. Chiltern started to put together the phases and their set pieces were working well, both line-out and scrum. However, the elements contributed to quite a few handling errors.

Midway through the half CS Rugby were down to 14 players, with their centre sin binned for a deliberate knock-down. Philip Blake exploited the numbers, coming off his wing to take a pass on CS’s 22, and forcing his way through a small gap, he shrugged off three tackling players to force his way over the try line - with a successful conversion by Morgan Thompson, the score was 7-3 to A&C.

Unfortunately, Chiltern couldn't hold onto the lead. Fly half Matt Gilbert was caught in possession in his own 22, the ball turned over and a try was scored under the posts. With the conversion and a penalty a few minutes later, half-time saw CS Rugby lead 7-13. Two frozen teams, referee and supporters took refuge in the clubhouse from the arctic conditions. But Chiltern were not an unhappy team at half time, as the six point advantage was not a reflection of the strong winds that had benefitted CS Rugby in the first half.

The second half saw a change of tactics from both sides; Chiltern looking to take advantage of the wind by kicking into the corners and CS Rugby using a forwards only pick and drive. As time ticked away, both sides started to feel the pressure of this relegation battle. However, Chiltern used the conditions better, keeping play in their opponents half.

Fifteen minutes to go and Chiltern's pressure paid off, with skipper Tom Grammenos forcing his way over the line. With the score 12-13 to CS Rugby, kicker for the day Morgan Thompson stepped up to take the conversion. It was halfway to the touchline with a very difficult wind to judge. The surviving supporters who hadn’t succumbed to frostbite held their breath, and were rewarded with a fine kick and the lead back to Chiltern at 14-13.

A third try was disallowed by the referee, who felt he blocked an opposition player, as loose head Joe Winpenny crossed the line. But, a few minutes later a penalty allowed Morgan Thompson to extend the lead to 17-13 with not much time left.

CS Rugby to their great credit didn’t give up. Well into extra time and starting from their own try line, their forwards drove phase after phase up to the hallway line. Further progress was due to two penalties awarded against Chiltern as they desperately defended.

Oh no, not Westcliff again!!! Surely Chiltern couldn’t give victory away, again!!!

But, great credit to Chiltern for standing up to the pressure and holding on for a valuable win.

Next week it’s overseas, or at least over the water, to Guernsey. The First XV will be well supported with a large group of vets, assorted couples and A&C U11 players and fathers descending upon St Peter Port. Yet another crucial relegation battle.

Lastly, welcome back to Ollie Cato. A fine performance on the pitch and usual winning style in the boat race off the pitch - obviously he kept up his training in Oz.