Match Reports

The winter of discontent on the weather front looked set to ruin another sunday however at around 10.00 the rain ceased and for the next two hours it was the Chipstead U11s who brought their style of sunshine rugby to South Croydon. On the back of several hard training sessions and a moral victory agaist Sutton and Epsom the week before Head Coach Andy Booth selected a strong 15 man squad to compete in a triangular tournament with hosts Old Whitgiftians and fellow visitors Old Caterhamians.

The first game was a hard fought affair with Old Caterhamians beating Old Whitgiftians 4 tries to none. Although it may sound as though it was a one sided affair, Whigiftians put up strong resistance and Chipstead new that both encounters would be tough.

After a warm up on the tackle pads and some words of encouragement from captain of the day James B, Chipstead took the field. The boys set out their stall very early with a hard, fast rucking game to compliment their expansive back play. Old Caterhamians couldn`t get their hands on the ball and were unable to release their dangerous runners. In the end the pace at which Chipstead moved the ball meant cracks appeared in the opposition defence and tries two from Fergus D and one from James B gave Chipstead a thoroughly deserved 3-0 victory.

Chipstead regrouped for the second game against Old Whitgiftians who themselves had made several changes in key positions. However it was Chipstead who blew their opposition away with several excellently executed back moves. The first try came as Daniel W rumbled over after some intense pressure from the forwards. Further tries in the first half from James B (2) and Fergus D gave Chipstead a commanding half time lead. Several changes at the break and Chipstead were firing once more. Max G used his strength to power over from 10 yards and Jamie M finished off the move he started after unselfish work from James B, which in a few years could be classed as jug avoidance.

A thoroughly satisfying mornings work with most players trying out several positions. Most importantly no tries conceded a reflection of the great defensive work put in by all players. A few things to work on, body positions at the break down, straighter running lines and off load timing but hey Rome wasn`t built in a day. A lot of rugby to look forward to for the remainder of the season.

No special mentions so we will mention them all: Micheal CW: excellent work at the breakdown especially mauling, great support work in the loose. Alex C: A testament to the fact size doesn`t matter, punched well above his weight never missed a breakdown. Dan W: Well deserved his try, always in support excellent rucking. Tom H: A real marauder in the loose, supported his backs so well seemed to know exactly where the ball would end up. Max S: Great strength and some thunderous hits has the egg to prove it, another loose forward with a growing reputation. George W: Put in some excellent hits utilising his strength and power, some good mauling. Brennan O`R: A terrier, excellent service to his fly halves, played through the pain barrier after injuring his arm. Daniel F: Bossed the breakdown, sniped well around the base and made some monster hits. Jamie M: Deceptive pace and step opened up defences time and time again. Drew men brilliantly to put his mates in space. Freddie E: Another great display of attacking rugby, hit the line well from full back. Joe M: Simply the hands, caught balls he had no right to.Good offloading a couple of monster hits. James B: Played full back and centre, equally at home in both positions scoring 3 tries. Great defensive pressure tightened up the midfield. Fergus D: Played wing and centre scoring 3 tries. Immensely strong, the muncher, definate no.7. showboating in the backs. Ben C: Made some great hits and got to his feet quickly to secure ball. Made a couple of telling breaks. Max G: Try at the end a testament to his strength. His tackling was copybook and attacked at every opportunity always breaking the gain line.

CM.