They scored a deserved 4 try bonus point win over Hertford to claim their first double of the season, having beaten the same opponents on the opening day of the season. However it wasn’t enough to stave off relegation with rivals Tring and Westcliff both winning too.

In front of the largest crowd of the season, swelled by match day sponsor Dayla, the glorious weather conditions demanded open attacking rugby. Chiltern seized the initiative from the off with a well worked try for flying winger Sam Portland after deft footwork from full back Chris Jack. Morgan Thompson added a penalty after 13 minutes to give Chiltern a solid base and much for the noisy home supporters to cheer - and an 8-0 lead.

With forwards Dean MacLennan, Callum Reid-Jones and Matt Allen carrying the ball effectively, Chiltern dominated position and possession and coped admirably with a yellow card for prop Joe Winpenny, yielding no points despite the visitor’s numerical advantage.

When Hertford did threaten, No8 Andy Zair pounced on loose ball and raced up the pitch to send Sam Portland over for his second try with a powerful run from 40 metres out, and a half time lead of 13-0.

Chiltern started the second period where they had left the first; fiery hooker Zane Turner and inspirational leader Tom Grammenos combining for a penalty in the visitors 22 which Morgan Thompson slotted. The home team were ferocious in the tackle and the breakdown, Ryan Greenstreet and open-side flanker George Bartlett nailing their opposite numbers. Despite a Hertford try against the run of play, George Bartlett brought the crowd to its feet with a crunching open field hit on the visitors fullback; supporting centre Josh Davies stole the loose ball and fly half Joe Butler sprinted in from 30 metres out for a try under the posts converted by Morgan Thompson. 23-7 to Chiltern.

A well worked reply from Hertford with their winger going over after several well constructed phases kept the home side honest and inspired crackerjack centre Jonny Hughes to power over for another try under the posts after a bulwarking run from replacement Tony Machedo and close support from Lewis Edwards. Morgan Thompson again added the extras. Despite a late consolation for the visitors, Chiltern finished the season in rousing style with a huge scrum and final score of 30-19.

It was a pulsating performance and summed up the commitment and teamwork which has characterised the second half of our season; and against the odds, almost kept us up.

Coach Richie Williams was delighted and has much to work with next season as we endeavour to regain National League status.

Match report by Spike Stevens