Drifters 1XV 11-21 Chiltern 1XV

Chiltern travelled to drifters this week with high hopes following last weeks mature performance. Unfortunately it appeared this form had been left behind at weedon lane, and a series of errors led to Drifters quickly taking the lead with a penalty. Good pressure from the Chiltern pack at the re-start forced Drifters to turn the ball over and only an infringement at the following ruck prevented a Chiltern try, but the scores were levelled by the boot of Kinsey. Further pressure from Chiltern resulted in a break from LeMehaute who passed out of the tackle to Rob Smalley who went over for the first try which was converted by Kinsey, who kicked another penalty before half time to make the score 3-13. 

Another penalty made the score 3-16 and Chiltern were now dominating, particularly at the scrum. With the drifters pack beginning to look ragged, Chiltern continued to pile on the pressure. With Chiltern looking like they might run away with the game, Drifters after having lost 2 front row players to injury, were unable to continue in the scrums. The game thus went to uncontested scrums which gave the drifters pack respite and completely changed the tempo of the game. A drifters penalty and then a break away try after poor handling from the Chiltern backs meant there was only 5 points between the teams. This did not last for long as Moutray went over for a try after a well worked blind side move after a scrum. 

Despite another win, Chiltern know they will need to improve on this performance if their aspirations of promotion are to be realised. They looked frantic at times with ball in hand and often tried to do too much as individuals, only showing brief glimpses of the expansive game they are capable of playing. However, that they can play poorly and still win is a positive sign, and a reflection of the strong team spirit Chiltern are building. 

Next Saturday Chiltern face Gosford All Blacks at Weedon Lane

Team
Allen, McHugh, Powell, C.Gilhooly (sub Reynolds), C.Bond, Rigby, L.Antos, Grammenos, Rastelli (sub Murray), R.Smalley, LeMehaute, Culverhouse, Cope (sub Bruce), Moutray, Kinsey.