Match Reports

Chipstead U.15’s A-5 Old Alleynians U.15’s -5

Following what feels like months, the boys at last took the field for this much anticipated league match.
The game started with our boys playing down the hill. From the start Chipstead exerted pressure on Old Alleynians, with some outstanding scrummaging, rucking and mauling, indeed at the first scrum both the opposition props were lifted out. This pressure led to an excellent try from James H.
Thereafter Old Alleynians rallied and settled down to what became a very competitive match. Chips were unfortunate to lose their scrum half Tom with a bad dislocation of his finger. We all hope the injury is not to serious, this meant reorganising the whole side with Fred going to scrum half and Sam P moving from flanker to centre.
Alleynians then equalled the score with a simple move from a penalty. Both sides appeared to have problems in retaining possession and the handling could best be described as indifferent.
Kyle, Ian and Ryan consistently drove into the opposition, some intelligent kicking from Sean always meant we were going forward and at half time the score was tied at 5-5.
The second half was only a minute old when Andy the ref sustained an injury and had to be replaced. Step up Director of Referees Shonker. There then followed a period of readjustment for both sides as they grew accustomed to the replacements interpretation of the laws. The game became a bit fragmented and towards the end Chipstead twice crossed the line only to be held up. Nathan and Steve on the wings and James in the centre all had surging runs into the heart of the opposition.
Both sides had opportunities to win the match with penalties however these options were ignored and the match ended 5-5.
Steve was awarded the man of the match for his wholehearted running and tackling

Nick