Which ‘Ch’ would be all conquering in this mid-table clash? Alongside the shouts of ‘Chilts’ from the partisan and slightly more elderly than usual home crowd (Vets Day) came the quite haunting melody of ‘Ching Ching’, a melody that as the match progressed would become fainter to eventually non-existent. In dry, calm conditions it would be the Chiltern Cherubs jumping up the league table by 2 places to 6th with Chingford returning to London penniless, subdued and bottom of a very competitive league.

Introducing our new funky match video technology and welcoming back, from multiple injuries, our VC – Lloyd Anderson to full back and our pack leader Dave Francis to No8 ,there was undoubtedly a sense of confidence oozing through the boys - through from changing room banter – strapping - to warm-ups and pre-match chest beatings. With our All-Black Guest Coach and Club Deputy Chairman Peter Gibson (Gibbo) referring to his ‘black book’ and scaring everyone with his staring and tongue waggling (Maori style), by the time Noah kicked off A&C were clearly inspired to overcome the blur and haze experienced the previous week in Regents Park.

And so it was on 7mins the galloping Dave Francis showed the Chingford defence his first lot of direct and committed running, as he burst over the try line for a converted try 7-0 .Gibbo was already recording the detail in his black book as the final ‘Come on Ching’ was heard from the side-lines. Although Gibbo could put his pen away for a while there then followed a period of sustained and controlled possession for A&C, with of course the trade mark tackling when required. Not till 26 mins later it was 2nd Row Will Drewett that sniffed the opportunity for a marauding run to cross the line for an unconverted try 12-0. 3 mins later the frustration of a lack of possession and A&C control caused Chingford to lose discipline and the first of a few yellow cards was shown. Dave Francis than only took a further 7 mins to cause even more Chingford anxieties with another show of force dispelling ‘cling ons from his starboard bow’ as he scored another converted try ( 19- 7 ) – Half Time

A&C retired to the changing room for their energy juice, sweeties and quality time with Gibbo to review his black book entries. The message was clear- the job was not done!!!!

Soon after the start it was the ‘brothers Hughes’ remember them? With Robert blowing away the Chingford Centres and bursting through, with now moustachless Peter taking the controlled pass before accelerating down the wing and cutting across to under the posts. A treat no less for our A&C

Veterans many of whom were still stretching off on the astro and cycling on the exercise bikes, with Guinness in hand. Another Noah Jarvis conversion and a 26-7 lead. An already subdued Chingford then conceded a further try 13 mins into the second half after some power play and terrific attacking running and a converted try from centre Dan Kingsley to compound matters for Chingford further 33-7.

Chingford centre-come second row and probably one of the biggest fellas I ever seen, then received his 2nd yellow card from a referee who was less that 1/3 of his size. I thought brave!!!. The yellow changed to red. He was grumpy

And then to rub more salt into an deepening wound it was fan favourite Jack Kenyon who from nowhere found himself ball in hand and sprinting towards glory in a Kenyon kind of way. From well inside the A&C half and with high knees and his flowing blonde locks Jack was again reliving his Thurrock break as again like a gazelle he flew downhill towards the Club house. Again hunted down but this time with a slight change of direction and cunning Jack fell over that try line and ensured the scoring of an easily converted try 40-7.

In consolation and with courage Chingford did manage a response with a well worked unconverted try from the deep 40-12. With a further yellow card Chingford finished the match with only 13 players but there was not enough time to make a realistic effort for the half-century of points.

So Gibbo – ‘They’re more than a number in your little black book and they’re more than a one night stand’. Real signs of progress and better match management all round

Highlights

· Peter Gibson’s guest Coach role and amazing motivational chats All Black style

· Charlie Doyle’s shorts with a slit all the easy up to his waist ‘kilt style’. His 4 X Extra-large ones are on a slow boat from China.

· Josh Finch’s attacking catch and run from an offside/onside position. Referee did not refer to VAR although Josh undoubtedly will

· The Chiltern Cherubs apres-match dress code of dressing in an Irish kind of way

· Up to 6th from 8th being only 7pts from top

· Callum Newton mixing it up with control and panache

· Coach - Mike Smith’s pre-match sausage rolls. From a butchers and really really exceptional

Next Week – rifles and sweet at the ready as we are off to Eton Manor as we take aim to cause a mess in Wanstead, Redbridge, London . 3rd V 6th. Should be quite a match.