Great win at Gravesend keeps hopes of survival alive

We played against a pretty strong wind in the first half and after some strong intelligent driving, support play we pushed Gravesend back into their 22 and attacked their line only to be thwarted by some illegal play at a ruck. Morgan Thompson calmly stepped up and slotted the resultant penalty for a 0-3 lead. Yet another centre combination caused by injury and unavailability took some time to bed together and some gaps appeared but last minute covering tackles kept Gravesend at bay.

Their New Zealand number 10 missed a couple of penalties which helped and both sides took turns in attacking with relish. The strong wind relieved the pressure on the Gravesend line on several occasions before an excellent break by their outstanding centre made room for the Gravesend 6 to score a very good try. This was unconverted but 5-3 to the home side.

A mistake by Chiltern and some poor defensive tackling then left a huge gap which Gravesend did not miss and they scored a second try under the posts, this time converted to give them a 12-3 lead.

The boys dug deep and started to take control of the game. Intelligent probing by Morgan Thompson and Joe Butler created momentum and quick recycling on one side of the pitch saw the ball whipped out to the left wing where Sam Portland was too strong for his opposite number and he scored a fine corner try. Against the wind, the kick just went wide but it was clear that Chiltern were running the show just 12-8 behind.

Back Chilts came and a long touch kick from a penalty gave Chiltern a toehold in the Gravesend 22. A perfect catch and drive by the forwards steamrolled towards the try line only to be stopped illegally by Gravesend collapsing the maul. The referee had no hesitation in awarding Chiltern a penalty try converted by Morgan Thompson to give Chiltern a well deserved 12-15 half time lead.

Ollie Cato had injured his ankle and Callum Reid-Jones came on to great effect. Tackling aggressively and supporting the dynamic George Bartlett gave Chiltern a control that they were never to surrender. With the wind at their backs the Chiltern half backs took the game by the scuff of its neck.

Gravesend never stopped trying but Chiltern were in charge and after a delightful period of play which saw Chiltern stopped just short of the line, another infringement gave Morgan Thompson the chance to extend the lead to 12-18. Chiltern were playing some splendid rugby mixing strong running with stout defence. Another long raking kick by Joe Butler gave Chiltern a lineout in the Gravesend 22. Perfect off the top ball saw Sam Portland cut the line aggressively and his strength took him over the line for the third and decisive try. Well converted by Morgan Thompson, Chiltern were now two converted tries ahead at 12-25 with about 15 minutes remaining.

Gravesend continued to strive for another score and a rather odd decision put Zane Turner in the bin with about six minutes left. Last play of the game had Gravesend determined to get something out of the game and a well worked move gave them a last minute converted try. 19-25to Chiltern who were well worth the win.

All 17 players used did themselves and the club proud. It was disappointing to learn that Tring and Westcliff had also won, so the season goes down to the wire next Saturday. Put simply if we win and they lose we stay up in National 3 for another season. If either or both of them win we will be relegated. It’s at home v Hertford and it’s a 3.00pm kick off. Please come and support the boys who have given their all in a really tough league this year.

I was very proud of them all and the Gravesend committee and supporters had no hesitation in agreeing that the best team won.

Match report by Charles Owen-Conway