In front of a big crowd, swelled by match day sponsor Arnold Funeral Services’ guests, the sunny and dry weather demanded running rugby - and both sides relished the opportunity.

TJs started stronger and were rewarded after five minutes when their centre Watson brushed past some sloppy defence to score a converted try under the posts, 0-7. Chiltern immediately responded with the entire front row of Stuart Day, Joe Winpenny and Matt Allen combining to drive the ball 40 metres through the middle of the visitor’s defence setting up a Morgan Thompson penalty from 25 metres out into a decent breeze, for 3-7. This was a defining moment. Chiltern settled, showed they could punch holes through the heart of the visitors pack, which created space for the dangerous second and third phase runners from wider positions.

Chiltern then ignited with George Bartlett and Ollie Cato charging through TJs midfield and a searing Ross Bugden break led to Jonny Hughes going over with two or three defenders on his back for a great try on 14 minutes, converted by Thompson and the score 10-7.

More successful penalties followed from Morgan Thompson, whose partnership with stand-off Ross Bugden was key to Chiltern controlling the game. The backs particularly enjoyed playing outside this quality service, probing TJs midfield.

In a vital few minutes before half time, control and well worked ball opened up space for Dean MacLennan to crash through into TJs 22 and feed Matt Gilbert who crossed the try line after deft footwork on the right wing. When the visitors responded going deep into Chiltern territory as half time loomed man-of-the-match Philip Blake smashed his opposite number then intercepted the recycled ball to take us back to half way and the first period ended 24 -7 to the home team.

Chiltern yielded a soft try at the start of the second half before Thompson added a 47th minute penalty to keep the score board ticking. TJs then had their best spell, keeping the ball for countless phases and added two tries from Watson again and winger Campion to close the scoreline to 27-22 with15 minutes to play.

Whilst Chiltern may have panicked in recent matches, our game plan held firm with Chris Jack mixing his running and kicking from fullback and Ross Bugden kicking intelligently from stand-off to pin the visitors in their half. TJs need to play catch-up rugby allowed more space and opportunity for excellent wing Sam Portland to drive several times within a whisker of the line.

Replacements Ziana Alexis, Ted Reus and Tony Machedo added fresh impetus and slotted in seamlessly which kept Chiltern on the front foot, and in the TJs half. An unfair challenge on Portland on 75 minutes reduced TJs to 14 men, and skipper Tom Grammenos and Andy Zair closed the game out using their experience, nous and courage.

This was a very welcome win against stern opposition and crafted by the patient game planning of Head Coach Richie Williams. Forwards coach Peter Gibson saw his pack have their best display of the season; and this represents a wonderful stepping stone for the team to push on into the final half dozen crucial games this season.

Similar tests lie ahead with us playing the teams for 3rd to 7th position in the league in our remaining fixtures, and the confidence gained from this superb all round performance shows what Chiltern can achieve.

Next week Chiltern travel to Westcombe Park in Orpington, Kent, needing no less than another win; if the performance matches the discipline, accuracy and commitment of this week, that should be well within their grasp.

Match report by Spike Stevens