So much effort, so little reward

Reading The Guernsey Press on the short flight over from Gatwick, its lead story on the back page featured the ‘grudge’ return match against Amersham, against whom Guernsey was penalised the points despite a win earlier in the season. Of course, it didn’t mention that if a player is sent off he is automatically banned for at least the next game - so why did Guernsey play him? But, never let the facts ruin a good story - or a grudge.

Anyway, the weekend got off to an excellent start with England beating Wales, enjoyed in St Peter Port by 20 vets plus a further dozen couples from Chiltern. Early on Saturday morning the A&C Under 11s and fathers arrived and played a number of matches at lunchtime against Guernsey RFC teams - winning all of them. The Guernsey U11 coaches and players couldn’t have been more hospitable.

Then the First XV squad arrived for the evening kick-off, under floodlights on a perfect pitch in front of a packed stadium. The atmosphere was hostile, but Chiltern was well up for the challenge.

Playing with a bitterly cold and strong wind behind them in the first half, Guernsey scored first. They made good progress down the right side and then having tied in Chiltern’s back row, the ball went out wide left. Inevitably, it had to be a try from the very player who caused the previous controversy. Stopping 6’2” and 145kg at full speed is not a easy task.

However, Chiltern hit back immediately - not once but twice. A long pass out to right winger Matt Gilbert in space and he was over the try line.  Moments later Ollie Choules made a magnificent break in midfield and put Dean MacLennan through for another try, converted, for a score of 7-12 to Chiltern. Guernsey hit back with a try of their own, followed by an exchange of penalties for a 15-15 half time score. All to play for and a strong wind in favour of the visitors in the second half. But one concern was the penalty count against Chiltern as they continually fell foul of the referee.

Alas, Chiltern did not take control of the game and wasted territory and possession and gave away so many penalties (final count 2-16 against) that what looked like a routine win suddenly became a huge challenge.  

Morgan Thompson kicked another penalty but Guernsey scored a try to go ahead 20-18, but had to hold out for 20 minutes.

A disallowed Chiltern try for crossing just a few yards in front of the posts could have made the difference and a missed penalty would have won the game, but time ran out and Guernsey took the points - understandably delighted and surely somewhat surprised.

Guernsey’s head coach described Chiltern's performance as "outstanding, their intensity at the breakdown, and just everything they did" and agreed the losing bonus point was the least they deserved.

But there are no points for style or effort in this league and the team have to break the habit of losing games they should comfortably win. This is a strong squad and they must now step up and prove it. The clock is ticking.