Chiltern 2nd XV continued their winning ways with what most would describe as a messy performance against league title rivals Maidenhead. With the return of Ollie Choules at Fly-half and a new Centre partnership of Josh Davies and Lloyd Anderson-Burrows, it was with excitement that a good number of supporters chose to cheer on the team, whilst England graced our television screens.

There were a few additional changes from the team that comprehensively beat Redingensians last week but that didn't stop Chiltern adding to the scoreboard first. Having worked the ball from right to left, the initial carry from Johnny Rice allowed Mark Jones to quickly pick the ball from the base of the ruck and pirouette through the tackle of two Maidenhead players to opening the scoring. Ollie Choules added the extras (7-0). With the game quickly becoming a scrum fest due to multiple handling errors, Chiltern managed to win a penalty in front of the oppositions posts, which Ollie Choules kindly nudged over.

With Maidenheads heavier pack and the line-out not quite going to plan, Chiltern began to struggle to put phases together. However, Maidenhead could not find a way out of their 22 and eventually they paid the price. Quick hands down the line found Ryan Greenstreet, who stretched brilliantly to collect a poor final pass and dive over in the left hand corner. Conversion missed (15-0). There was one final try before halftime and it was Chiltern again! A strong break from Lloyd Anderson-Burrows from the 10 metre in the Chiltern half put 5 more points on the board, with the additional 2 points compliments of the young gun Ollie Choules.

Half-time 22-0

Maidenhead came out strong in the second half and managed to score a good try when one of their backs cut a naughty line back through the Chiltern defense. With the conversion successful, Chiltern had to ensure they scored next to prevent Maidenhead building any momentum.

Barring the few phases before each try, the rugby had not been of the highest standard. Knock ons, ill discipline and scrappy set pieces were dominating so it was left to a lovely bit of individual play from Josh Davies to get the supporters going again. With his barrel shaped frame somehow jinking through multiple players, he drew the fullback and threw the pass to Dom Rice who ran the remaining 20 metres to score in the corner. The conversion was missed so the score was 27-7.

One of Maidenheads subs then had a game to forget, as despite bringing a much needed dose of aggression and physicality he just didn't manage to use it correctly and was sin binned shortly after coming on. Roughly 5 minutes later, as the game was lurching to it's next set piece, a Chiltern player suddenly felt the force of a certain player's clear out. Unfortunately for Monsieur dix-sept the ref noticed as well and subsequently stopped the game to remind him that his sins were not yet forgiven. This was not the end of his nightmare day, as having tried to enter the playing area AGAIN a moment too early, when he finally did return, he was asked to leave the pitch a fourth time, this time for good but without the brandishment of le carte rouge. After another questionably ferocious clear out he made contact with poor Dayne Matthews ribs and head and that meant a permanent stay on the touchline was in order.

After that short comedic break, the cherry was topped on the ugly looking cake of a game. Following a good break from the Chiltern 5 metre by Dom Rice, Johnny Rice found himself at first receiver. With ball in hand and looking over his shoulder to see Joe Batt tearing towards him on a crash line, he knew exactly what to do. With Maidenhead players now tired and readily lining up one last big hit, it was decided Mr Batt would not be the recipient of The Egg. The unintentional dummy line worked perfectly and fooled everyone, even other Chiltern players! As Johnny Rice looped round and found himself in space (with expletives spewing from Joe Batt's mouth) he ran into the gap, drew a defender and put Lloyd Anderson-Brown throw a hole who beat the covering defense easily from half way and touched down under the posts. With Ollie Choules converting the try it meant Chiltern recorded a much needed bonus point win and leap frogged their opposition into 2nd place in the league.

Man of the Match was Mark Jones for the opening try and a strong game all round the park in defense! Honourable mentions go to Dayne Matthews and Lloyd Anderson-Burrows who both had fantastic games also.

There is no game next week but the 2nd XV return to action away at Windsor on the 10th December in their penultimate game before the Christmas break.