2xv rise to the challenge and beat league leaders

Amersham & Chiltern 2xv travelled to league leaders Henley Vikings and came away with a bonus point win.

The first 25 minutes was a close affair with both teams trying to play through the phases and take control of possession. The only score came from a penalty against Henley for holding on; Dan Wood who kicked superbly all game slotted the kick from just inside the Henley half, 3-0 to Chiltern.

Henley then opened the scoring with the first try of the game; with a strong blitz defence in midfield the Henley centre forced a fumble in the Chiltern backline, the loose ball was picked up and the pacey centre ran in from halfway, the conversion missed 3-5.

With 30 minutes gone Henley were again penalised, this time for an illegal no arms tackle; Dan Wood slotted the penalty 6-5.

Chiltern then gave away a penalty of their own and Henley slotted to take a slender half time lead 6-8.

HT 6-8

The second half opened up for both teams and a further six tries were scored.

Henley came out strong in the second half and it was an intercept against the run of play which put Chiltern back in front. It was clear that Henley wanted to play in the wide channels and a floated pass from their fly half was read well by Joe Carey who intercepted on halfway and ran in under the posts, the conversion successful by Dan Wood 13-8.

Henley responded well by playing through the phases and passing wide for their winger to score in the corner, the conversion was missed tying the scores 13-13.

Indiscipline from both teams sent the penalty count up very high, this time it was Henley who again were penalised. A brilliant kick from Dan Wood on halfway edged Chiltern ahead 16-13.

Chiltern were starting to find space in the Henley half and some good handling led to Dom Jones passing out wide to Caleb Jenkins who set up Ryan Greenstreet to score in the corner, Dan Wood again successful with the conversion 23-13.

Henley kept on the pressure with a penalty to make the score 23-16. This was followed up by indecision in the Chiltern back 3 allowing a ball to be knocked back and picked up by the chasing Henley winger who gained possession and this in turn led to a try in the corner, the conversion was successful to again tie the scores at 23-23.

A backline reshuffle saw Jack Davidson move to scrum half aswell as Pip Blake into midfield which Chiltern real impetus in attack. From a lineout which was highly effective all match just inside Henleys 22, Jack Davidson saw a gap and sliced through the defence to score a brilliant solo try, the conversion successful to make the score 30-23.

Another penalty for Chiltern, converted well by Dan Wood gave them a 10 point lead with 10 minutes left.

The final minutes saw Chiltern with territory and possession but they were unable to add to their lead until the last play of the game. With players and spectators shouting to kick the ball out of play, most players on both sides stopped but Pip Blake picked up a loose ball on halfway and with a turn of pace stepped numerous players to offload to Jack Freeman who supported very well and scored under the posts. The conversion was again successful by Dan Wood to make the final score 40-23 and secure the four try bonus point.

Well done to Dom Jones on debut who has a fine game and also to man of the match Dan Wood who kicked superbly converting all of his kicks to keep the pressure on Henley throughout the game.

FT 40-23

Next week Chiltern host Maidenhead at home.

Team:
1 Dan Pettinger 2 Paddy Esson 3 Luke Donnebaum 4 Matt Craggs (c) 5 Sion Owen 6 Jonny Keen 7 Dan Wood 8 James DC 9 Michael Brothers 10 Jack Davidson (vc) 11 Dom Jones 12 Caleb Jenkins 13 Joe Carey 14 Max Fisher 15 Ryan Greenstreet 16 Aidan Lever 17 Jack Freeman 18 Pip Blake

Tries:
Joe Carey
Ryan Greenstreet
Jack Davidson
Jack Freeman

Conversions:
Dan Wood x4

Penalties:
Dan Wood x4

Man of the Match:
Dan Wood