Chiltern put to the sword by strong Redingensians outfit

On a blustery day over in Sonning, Chiltern came off second best but returned to Weedon Lane with their heads held high, knowing they gave everything.

With availability low, Chiltern fielded a much changed side in a number of key positions. Redingensians struck first within the opening minutes, as they found a lot of space out wide to easily run their first try. Unconverted, Chiltern had to respond quickly and that is what happened.

Working there way down field, recycling the ball well, Michael Brothers eventually darted over after good carries from a number of players. Cam Gates converted to give Chiltern the lead (5-7).

Sadly that is as good as it got for Chilts. Redingensians had clearly strengthened the team that came to Weedon Lane and was humbled 51-0 earlier in the season. Chiltern rarely produce towering, large, weighty players and always seem to be the smaller side and this couldn't have been truer against 'Ensians - the opposition was bigger man for man in every position and their power proved too much for Chilts.

Redingensians regularly found holes in the Chiltern defense and space out wide (combined with some fantastic kicking from the boot of their fly-half) to run in 10 tries. Chiltern did respond with another try of their own when the score was roughly 31-7, to give them hope of perhaps securing a 4 try bonus point but sadly a couple of good chances came and went. In the end 76-12 was a fair reflection of the dominance of the home side.

Chiltern could feel aggrieved when Robert Hill was hauled down by a horribly high tackle from the 'Ensians full back when he looked certain to score. The most blatant of yellow cards was handed out but that was the final moment of note from Chiltern who are now 3 points behind 1st placed Chinnor (who have a game in hand) and are only 5 points in front of next week's opponents Maidenhead!

Chiltern will hope for the return of a number of key players next week so that they can take a strong team to Maidenhead and get back to winning ways!