In front of the largest crowd of the season, swelled by a full house for the prestigious President's Luncheon which saw many old friends from various parts of the British Isles and Germany, Chiltern put in a brave, committed and disciplined performance. They just fell short to a well drilled team whose line-out and scrum performed admirably, and who took their few chances.

Barnes scored early, breaking off a ruck for an unconverted try, before fantastic work at the breakdown from Tony Machedo and bullish drives from Dean MacLennan and Ollie Cato, the Chiltern engine room all afternoon, led to a penalty which Morgan Thompson converted.

A harsh yellow card for influential flanker George Bartlett preceded a period of courageous defence from the home side - again typified by two feisty tackles in quick succession from wing Matt Gilbert to snuff out Barnes attacks - and the visitors were held at bay despite numerical advantage. Fly half Joe Butler was magnificent again with his prodding and slick distribution, mixing up points of attack and ensuring territorial control for the home side.

A penalty from 35 yards by Morgan Thompson bounced back off the cross bar; and Chiltern were rewarded on 35 minutes for sustained pressure with another Morgan Thompson penalty to lead 6-5. Matt Allen, Lewis Edwards and Sam Portland, an unlikely combination, took us deep into the Barnes 22 as the half closed and Chiltern turned round deservedly with a narrow lead.

The second half began with more pressure from the home side, and a penalty which Morgan Thompson slotted over for a 9-5 lead. Andy Zair and Perez Jack came off the bench to maintain the impetus in the back row.

The second half was characterised by Barnes kicking long into the corners with the wind at their backs and Chiltern manfully running the ball back - skipper Zane Turner, Man of the Match Chris Jack from fullback and Callum Reid-Jones to the fore. Barnes were unable to penetrate the rock solid Chiltern midfield of Jonny Hughes and Sam Portland, and yet another crunching tackle from wing Ryan Greenstreet repelled an overlap created by Barnes.

As we entered the final ten minutes Chiltern hearts were broken by two tries from the visitors on each wing, testament to the visitors application and organisation. However the spirit and guts shown by Chiltern will serve us well as we go into the last two games of the season needing to win one, preferably both.

Coach Richie Williams is congratulated for lifting his squad to inspire the improved performances and attitude which have given the whole club hope. Come on Chiltern !!

Match report by Spike Stevens