First XV
Matches
Sat 14 Mar 2020  ·  London 1 North
Woodford
21
46
Amersham & Chiltern
First XV
Chiltern comfotably secure level 6 rugby for another season

Chiltern comfotably secure level 6 rugby for another season

Charles Owen-Conway16 Mar 2020 - 17:59
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A seven try feast was great way to watch what could be the last game of the season!!

After the farce that took place two weeks ago when the game was abandoned with Chiltern comfortably leading, the team again made the coach journey to Woodford and with a point to prove. Despite two late changes Chiltern were by far the better side throughout the game and comfortably secured their position In London 1 for next year.

Despite the drier weather over the last 10 days, the Woodford pitch was still very heavy but the Chiltern pack were comfortably in control of both lineouts and scrums and quicker in thought and deed around the pitch. Following an excellent scrum which resulted in a penalty for collapsing, Chiltern kicked into touch in the Woodford half. Quick ball was spun wide and an inside pass found Lloyd Anderson in support of Jack Kenyon and his strength and speed took him over for the first try which was converted by Ollie Choules. 10 minutes later Ollie kicked a penalty after another infringement by Woodford to extend the lead to 10 points. Direct from the kick-off Johnny Rice produced an amazing catch above his head on his own 10 m line, he drove forward and when tackled flipped the ball inside to Dan Kingsley in support who raced away for the second try which was unconverted 15-0.

Woodford tried very hard to play a running game and regularly made some ground but overall the Chiltern defence was just too strong for them. They conceded another penalty which was kicked deep into the Woodford 22 and from the resulting rolling maul Joe Batt was driven over the line for Chiltern’s 3rd try which was converted and took the score to the score to 22–0. From the kick-off some scruffy defence and poor concentration by Chiltern gave Woodford the opportunity of putting away their wing who had an excellent game throughout and he raced in for a try which was well converted by the Woodford 10. The half-time whistle sounded soon afterwards with the score at 22–7.

Chiltern continued to impress in the second half and after some quick recycling the ball found Lloyd Anderson inside his own half. Two sidesteps and a lovely arcing run took him clear of the defence to score the fourth and bonus point try for Chiltern 29-7. No matter how hard Woodford tried they were unable to break down the Chiltern defence and having conceded several penalties near their own line together and with a yellow card a quick tap penalty saw the impressive Kieron Booth drive over the line for the fifth try which was converted by Choules 36-7. Woodford continued to run the ball whenever possible and another good break and some generous Chiltern defence left them a gap to score their second try which was again converted 36-14. Chiltern had now emptied their bench and one of the replacements Jason Kilbey broke free from a maul on the 22, shook several attempted tackles before diving over for the sixth try which was unconverted 41-14. With the clock running down Tom Fawcett who had an excellent second half after coming on as a replacement was put into space by Anderson who had ripped the ball from a Woodford defender and he had the strength and speed to cross for Chiltern’s seventh and final try 46-14. They just remained time for Woodford to score a consolation try but a 46 -21 victory was an excellent way to put any real question of relegation to bed once and for all.

With all that is presently going on no one knows whether any of the remaining four games of the season will be played and what the impact of that would be for promotion and relegation. No doubt the RFU will make a decision at some stage. Theoretically North Walsham the runaway leaders are due at Weedon Lane on Saturday 21/3 but please visit the website for updated information.
For now let’s just say well done to the boys for a good finish to a difficult season.

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Mar 2020

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 1 North

League position

11
Amersham & Chiltern
13
Woodford
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Principal Partner - Osborne Samuel
Club Partner - Allan Janes
Club Partner - Dayla
Club Partner - Arnold Funeral Service
Club Sponsor - Patrick Esson Osteopathy
Match Ball Sponsor - Nordion
Club Sponsor - AngloDutch
Club Partner - Oakman Inns | The Beech House