Witney 3rd XV 10-47 Chiltern 3rd XV
Witney 3XV (0) 10
Tries: 2
Chiltern 3XV (33) 47
Tries: Diggler 3, CCCP, Baldy, STD, Smith C
Conversions: Baldy 6
In balmy summer conditions, the 3rds took to the field to start their Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 1 North campaign, and they did so in some style with a classy performance against a physically strong Witney side.
Chiltern started with Chips, Captain Long and Will Howe in the front row. Mikey and Gibbo behind and Pencil, Simon Turner and Nick Fischer making up the pack. Ted Reus was at scrum half with Ryan Thomas, Tim 'The Unit' Bond and Dangerous outside. Chad and Colin Smith took to the wings and brother Martin Smith at full back. Chris Cowley was on the bench.
Witney started strongly with their forwards controlling the ball and giving the Chiltern team a good examination of the defensive system. All of the preseason work around the white board paid dividends as the line stood firm. After 20 minutes, slack passing from Witney led to great interception by Martin Smith, a kick and chase ensued with Martin collecting his own kick and powering over. Thomas converted.
The Chiltern backs could see there superior pace and passing was the key to unlocking Witney and where unlucky not to score when 'The Unit' was over the line, but pulled back for a forward pass. Chiltern were not to be denied for long. A great passing move started by Ted, on to Nick Fischer who picked out a fine, quick, inside pass to Simon Turner, who managed to ignore his jet lag after landing from Vancouver at 11 am, to drive over. Converted Thomas.
The Chiltern pack were now creating a great platform for the backs to run, and the third try followed. A great move with swift passing culminated with Martin Smith going over for his second. Converted Thomas. The heat was now slowing even the fittest, with the referee calling a drinks break so all could refuel. Refreshed, the Chiltern backs again created an opening for Chad, who side stepped two Witney players, going inside then out, before placing the ball under the posts. Converted Thomas. The half was coming to a close when so great defensive pressure from Dangerous on the halfway line resulted in Witney spilling the ball. Dangerous kicked on and on and on then, within 5 metres of the line, slide a pass, more fitting for Wayne Rooney at Wembley, to Colin Smith who scooped up the ball with one hand and touched down. Not converted. Half Time 33-0
Chris Cowley replaced Colin Smith at Half time. Witney started the second half refreshed and started to put some pressure on the Chiltern pack. The referee also decided to take umbrage with some Chiltern back chat and yellow carded Simon Turner for merely asking ' are you sure Sir?'. So Chiltern down to 14 in soaring temperature, it was going to take something special to get us on the score sheet, and it was. Martin Smith picked the ball up in the Chiltern 22, picked his lines perfectly, drove off his left and right and his dancing feet did the rest. Touched down under the posts, converted Thomas.
Witney to there credit came back strongly and managed a score out wide which was unconverted. This merely spurred Chiltern on with a great move involving backs and forwards, Mikey making some good yards up the pitch before passing to Nick Fischer who found Ryan to score. Converted his own try. Witney had a final push to the whistle where they breached the Chiltern defence in the final play, but again could not convert.
Final score 47-10.
Some great performances, Nick Fischer was everywhere in the pack, Teddy Reus tackled and passed well to release the back line and Dangerous choose some great lines to get behind the defence. However, there could only be one man of the match, three try Martin 'Dancing Feet' Smith showed class and great fitness to give Chiltern the edge.
Team:
1 Chips, 2 Tony Blair, 3 Howe, 4 Persil, 5 Gibo, 6 Pencil, 7 STD, 8 Fish, 9 Reus, 10 Baldy, 11 Smith C, 12 Bondage, 13 Dangerous, 14 CCCP, 15 Diggler, 16 Cowley
Simon Williams, Team Manager, 13/9/09
Bletchley 2XV 10-26 Chiltern 3XV
Today the undefeated 3rd team visited Bletchley, to take on their 2s, with a team short of a few regular players. However the 16 who travelled, all stepped upto the challenge and won a competitive match 10-26, maintaining their unbeaten season, and staying top of BBO 1N.
The team started with Will Howe, Rob Long and Elliot Kettringham in the front row, second row, Steve Reitz and Rich Bobbett, and back row of Jack Claridge, Simon Turner and Mike Griffiths. At 9 was Richard Gazzard, fly half Dougal Nicholls and centres, Gez Rowland and Brian Richardson, on the wing was George Cooke and Chad Shepherd, full back, Martin Smith and infamous shadow made another bench appearance.
The game started brightly, with some well organised forward play, and solid defence across the backs, resulting in the first scoring chance a penalty kick from 30 yards in front of the posts, unfortunately dougal got his direction but distance proved a little too far. With 20 minutes gone, Simon Turner managed to steal opposition ball in a maul, a couple of quick passes through Richard Gazzard found Rob Long free on the left, however he eventually realised the best thing to do was pop the ball to the left wing, and watch George Cooke storm past the cover defence to score under the posts, making it a relatively easy conversion for Dougal, 0-7. However early injuries to Rich Bobbett and Mike Griffiths were beginning to tell, Mike was eventually substituted at half time, but that was after he won good line out ball 15 yards from the try line, set up the maul and allowing Simon Turner to drive over, with conversion missed score was 0-12. Bletchley continued to compete strongly, and put on pressure as half time approached, winning a penalty on the 22 which they kicked finishing the half 3-12.
At half time Mike Griffiths was replaced by the shadow. Bletchley started the half strongly, trying to get the first score of the second period. Good defence from Chiltern held the opposition for long periods, persistence paid off, with Gez Rowland breaking the Bletchley defensive line, and gave a superb off load creating a try under the posts for Chad Sheppard, converted by Dougal, making the score 3-19,
A good set of phases by Chiltern, resulted in ball moving swiftly across the pitch and back again, resulting in an overlap for Chad to run in his second try, a real 15 man team effort, the conversion by Dougal made the score 3-26. Bletchley really stepped up the pressure, and pushed the Chiltern defence to their limits, and eventually they got their deserved result in the last play scoring a try and consequential conversion making the final score 10-26.
So finally, special mentions must go to Chad for brace of tries, Steve Reitz, who moved from second row to no 8 in second half and made some awesome tackles, but the Blue Orchid man of match for his tremendous effort throughout the game was Simon Turner. Next week is a big match, with second in the table local rivals Chesham 1s visiting Weedon Lane.
Team:
1 Elliott Ketteringham, 2 Tony Blair, 3 Will Howe, 4 Zulu, 5 Ref, 6 Jack Claridge, 7 STD, 8 Persil, 9 Richard Gazzard, 10 Dougall Nicholls, 11 George Cooke, 12 Gez Rowland, 13 Dangerous, 14 CCCP, 15 Digler, 16 Shadow
Rich Bobbett 31.10.09
Chiltern 3XV 15-13 Chesham 1XV
Chiltern 3XV (5) 15
Tries: Richardson B, Thomas, Luker C
Chesham 1XV (13) 13
Tries: 1
Conversions: 1
Penalties: 2
Chiltern lined up with a front row of Elliott Kettringham, Captain Long and Ginge, second row of returning Pencil and Stevie Reitz, and back row of Chewy, Simon Turner and, for this first appearance of many a season, Rooney. Scrum half was Scott Jarrold, centres Gez Rowlands and Chris Luker with wings of Colin Smith and Dangerous and full back Martin Smith. On the bench (not for long!!!) Rich Bobbett.
The early exchanges where even as both teams showed why they occupy the top two slots in the league. After 3 minutes, Colin Smith went into contact with the ball and came out with a twist that meant he could not continue. A quick reshuffle and Rich Bobbett joined the fray (not on the wing!!). Chiltern backs slowly started to get some good possession but poor handling and passing meant that this was not transferred into points. However, midway through the first half Luker gained possession in his own half, planted an outrageous hand off and broke into the Chesham half, unloaded with a perfect pass to Martin Smith, who picked a great line, before putting Dangerous away in the right hand corner. Unconverted Thomas, 5-0 Chiltern.
Chesham regrouped and drove the ball up into the Chiltern half where a penalty was given away, allowing Chesham to convert. 5-3.
Indiscipline began to creep into the Chiltern team and Chesham's forwards started to dominate the set plays. Another penalty converted by Chesham put the visitors in front 5-6.
Chesham where getting into there stride and their organisation and physicality where starting to test the Chiltern team. A Good move by the Chesham backs broke through the Chiltern defensive line to score under the posts. Converted, Half time 5-13.
A rousing half time team talk by Captain Long, refocused the Chiltern team and the second half began with the Chiltern forwards starting to win some good possession. With this possession, Chiltern where getting right back into the match. A driving tackle by Chris Luker enabled the ball to be stolen from Chesham and run up the park by Luker. He swerved past three Chesham tacklers before unleashing Ryan to fly over the line to score. Unconverted Thomas, 10-13.
We now had a real game on our hands, with the Chiltern forwards really getting into their stride led by Ginge, Simon Turner and Rooney. An nasty neck injury to a Chesham player, we hope not too serious, stopped the game for a period which was dealt excellently by the medics on hand. This break gave Chiltern time to plot the final assault to victory. The forwards drove the ball up the park before releasing the ball to Jarrold how picked out his runners with perfection. Dangerous made valuable yards before passing to Martin Smith, who in turn found Chris Luker on the overlap. With defenders still between him and the line, he found a gap and went for it. Sheer pace and power got him over the white wash to score in the right hand corner. Unconverted Thomas,15-13.
Five minutes to go and what a finish, great tackling and running kept the Chesham team at bay with the unusual reversal of a Chiltern penalty by the referee because of what can only be described as ''gloating'' by the Chiltern backs. Need to check the referees handbook on that one! Final score 15-13.
Firstly, Chesham made a great game of it and were the most organised and powerful team the 3rds. have faced this season. The rematch in Chesham is one to look forward too.
The Chiltern forwards where driven forward brilliantly by Simon Turner and Ginge with Elliott having another fine game in the front row. Scott Jarrold tackled all afternoon and set the backs in motion with some great passing with Dangerous and Chris Luker running all afternoon. However, man of the match goes to the returning Rooney, Mark Douglas, who has lost none of his class and ran and tackled furiously all match.
Team:
1. Elliott Kettringham, 2. Tony Blair, 3. Ginge, 4. Zulu, 5. Pencil, 6. Chewy, 7. STD, 8. Rooney, 9. Scott Jarrold, 10. Baldy, 11. Colin Smith, 12. Gez Rowland, 13. Chris Luker, 14. Dangerous, 15. Diggler, 16. Ref
Simon Williams- Team Manager
Amersham & Chiltern 3rd XV vs Aylesbury 2nd XV
Chiltern 3XV (29) 53
Tries: M Smith 2, B Richardson 3, Robertson, Hughes, Rowland G, Griffiths C
Conversions: R Thomas 3, M Smith
Aylesbury 2XV (7) 14
At a windy and dry Weedon Lane, the Chiltern III took to the field against Aylesbury II for the first home outing of the season.
Chiltern started with a front row of Chips, Captain Long and Howe, Second row of Mikey and Pencil and the back row of Paul Luker, Chewy and the Silver Fox. Martin Smith was scrum half with Ryan, Gez Rowlands and Chris Luker outside with Dangerous and Chad on the wings and Charlie Griffiths at full back. The bench was made up of Richard Bobbett and Roshan.
Chiltern started strongly with some great passing amongst the backs with Charlie moving the ball to in front of the posts where Aylesbury infringed. A quick tap and go by Martin Smith and he was over the line, 5-0 to Chiltern, unconverted Thomas.
The backs and forwards started to combine with real aplomb with Chips, Charlie and Mikey taking the ball up the field for Dangerous to score in the corner. 10-0 to Chiltern, unconverted Thomas.
A period of ruck and mauling followed with the Chiltern forwards enjoying great periods of possession with Long leading from the front. A drive up the field led to Long hanging onto the ball at the back of the maul with inches to go to the line. The Aylesbury defence stood firm much to the Captain's disappointment. However, Chiltern were not to be denied. The Silver Fox made a pacy break up the centre, the pack took over, before releasing the backs who unleashed a great passing move towards the line. With the move looking to end without a score, Pencil came to the team rescue by suddenly popping up on the wing and goose stepping over the white wash. 15-0 Chiltern, unconverted Smith.
Over confidence then crept into Chiltern play and too comedy affect. A hopeful kick down field by Aylesbury landed at the feet of the Chiltern full back Griffiths. An Aylesbury chaser could not believe his luck when Griffiths scooped the ball up with one hand, looked at the touchline, but instead decided to chip kick the ball over the head of the rushing Aylesbury attacker in the direction of Martin Smith. Unfortunately this enterprising move ended with Aylesbury plucking the ball from the air and going over to score. Try converted 15-7.
This stirred the Chiltern team and the response was quick. A clever kick over the top put Aylesbury on their back foot. A scrum ensued where Chiltern pushed forward with the ball ending up in the hands of none other than the Silver Fox himself, John Hughes who touched down under the posts. Converted Smith, 22-7.
From the restart a fast passing move following a great break from Charlie Griffiths, set up Dangerous for his second score of the day. Converted Thomas, Half Time 29-7.
The second half saw Rich Bobbett replacing Howe and Roshan replacing Chris Luker. As the teams settled into the second half, Aylesbury came out faster and quickly exerted pressure on the Chiltern line. The defensive system left one, rather large, hole for Aylesbury to exploit and they went over to make the score 29-14.
Chiltern finally woke up. The backs used some great work from the pack with the ball ending up in Gez Rowlands hands. One outrageous hand off later, and Gez was planting the ball over the line in the right hand corner. Unconverted Thomas, 34-14.
The backs again used their pace and superior passing to cut through the Aylesbury defence with Dangerous completing his hat trick with some tackle busting running to score under the post. Converted Thomas, 41-14.
Aylesbury did not give in and put up a spirited display of rugby with Chad putting in a big hit and driving the Aylesbury winger back 5m to save a certain try. From the ensuing scrum Mikey drove the ball up the field, releasing Chad, who found Charlie Griffiths who had picked a brilliant line to storm over the line to score. Converted Thomas , 48-14.
The final play of this memorable match saw Martin 'Dancing Feet' Smith pick up from where he left off against Witney. He picked the ball up on the half way line, put on the "after burners" and his feet did the rest. Unconverted Thomas, final score 53-14.
A great all round performance, Mikey was awesome in the pack and was all over the park, John 'Silver Fox' Hughes showed his great pace, Chris and Paul Luker tackled all afternoon and Gez Rowlands passed with great accuracy. However, there could only be one man-of-the-match, hat-trick man, Dangerous, who looked, well dangerous.
Team:
1 Chips, 2 Tony Blair, 3 Howe, 4 Persil, 5 Pencil, 6 Pouchy, 7 Chewy, 8 Silver Fox, 9 Diggler, 10 Baldy, 11 CCCP, 12 Chris Luker, 13 Gez Rowland, 14 Dangerous, 15 Gary Glitter, 16 Ref, 17 Roshan Ratnapala
Simon Williams - Team Manager 03/10/09
Beaconsfield 2XV 21-34 Chiltern 3XV
Beaconsfield 2XV (14) 21
Chiltern 3XV (24) 34
Tries: C Sitzberger, Ratnapala, Mitchard, M Smith, M Buckler
Conversions: R Thomas 2
A spring like afternoon in Old Beaconsfield saw two local rivals take to the field in this BBO ND 1 fixture.
A much changed Chiltern lined up with a front row of debutant Elliot Ketteringham, W.Howe and the ever green Jerry Green, second row Mikey and Pencil and a back row made up of Chris Sitzberger, out of retirement Simon Turner and Stevie Reitz. Scrum half Chris Cowley, fly Half Ryan, Centres Roshan and Dangerous with Chad and debutant George Mitchard on the wings, Martin Smith was a full back. On the bench Shakira and The Shadow.
Chiltern started strongly with the pack getting a upper hand in the early exchanges. This culminated in some driving mauling close to the Beaconsfield line with Chris Siztberger going over to touch down as the forwards drove over the line. 5-0 Chiltern, unconverted Thomas.
The backs were keen to get in on the action, and with some great passing and incisive lines created the space for Roshan to blast over to score in the right hand corner. 10-0 Chitern, unconverted Thomas.
The team were starting to gel and the two debutants Elliot and George were starting to get their hands on the ball. Some sloppy play by Beaconsfield led to Roshan picking the ball up in his own half, a quick interchange between Dangerous, back to Roshan who the unleashed George. He ran past two defenders with ease and then used his sheer pace to lose the third and touch down under the posts for a debut try. Converted Thomas 17-0.
Beaconsfield were clearly concerned about the pace in the Chiltern back line and tried to intimodate in the tackle.
This merely served to fire up the team and yet another incisive attack saw Dangerous unleash Martin Smith who flew over the try line. Converted Thomas 24-0.
The team began to rest and the Beaconsfield forwards started to dominate play towards the end of the first half.
An injury to Roshan brought Shakara off the bench and a reshuffled back line.
A few unforced errors let Beaconsfield in to score two tries, to close out the half , both converted. Half time 24-14.
A rousing half time team talk by Captain Griffiths, got the team back on track and they started the second half as they had the first. The forwards took back the initiative and Pencil started to dominate in the line out. From this platform, the backs were able to use there superior pace and launch some excellent attacks. George Mitchard was again at the fore front when he left the Beaconsfield defence for dead as he broke from the half way line.
The full back managed to catch him five metres from the line, but Shakira was able to pick up the pass and go over in the right hand corner to score. Unconverted Thomas 29-14.
Beaconsfield's mini revival was over and the forwards, provided with new energy from the introduction of The Shadow at prop (for Green) for the final 20 minutes, began to dominate in the set play and the loose. The Shadow drove the scrum forward winning one against the head and driving Beaconsfield off their own ball with sheer power. With this domination, the forwards started to drive up the field with Simon Turner, putting those seven days of retirement behind him, making a magnificent break to be stopped 2 metres from the line. The ball was quickly recycled for Martin Smith to get his second try, and seventh in three games. Unconverted Smith, 34-14.
A collision then left Pencil dazed, and with no further substitutes, Chiltern were down to 14. Beaconsfield got a consultation try, which was converted, final score 34-21.
A much changed team really knew they had been in a game against a good Beaconsfield side.
Some great performances, Simon Turner worked and tackled all afternoon and it is great his retirement was shorter than Ronnie Corbetts trousers!!!, Captain Griffiths led from the front and Elliot had a good debut performance in the front row. The Shadow had a fantastic 20 minute cameo which really got the team going forward again. However, for a great debut for the Club, an excellent try and some exceptional running with sheer pace, man of the match goes to George Mitchard.
Team:
1 Ketteringham, 2 Howe, 3 Green, 4 Persil, 5 Pencil, 6 C Sitzberger, 7 STD, 8 Reitz, 9 Cowley, 10 Baldy, 11 Mitchard, 12 Dangerous, 13 Ratnapala, 14 CCCP, 15 Diggler, 16 Shakira, 17 The Shadow
Simon Williams, Team Manager
Chiltern III XV 37-13 Wheatley 1st XV
At an autumnal Weedon Lane, Chiltern 3rds took on Wheatley in this BBO ND 1 match.
Chiltern started with a front row of Felix Stantard, Captain Long and Will Howe, Second row of Mikey and Paul Luker and a back row of Chewy, Simon Turner and The Silver Fox. Scrum half Chris Cowley, fly half Ryan, centres Gez Rowland and Chris Luker, wing Chad and George Cooke and a Richardson at full back, but this time the formidable Dangerous. Richard Bobbett was on the bench for both 3rds. and 4ths, not an easy task.
Chiltern started strongly with some great mauling and driving from the forwards with Paul Luker picking up 5 metres from the line and blasting over. Unconverted Cowley, 5-0.
An excellent start got even better after 5 minutes when, with some great team play between forwards and backs, the Chiltern pack got a maul moving towards the Wheatley line. With 3 metres to go, Mikey popped the ball up his jumper and rumbled over the white wash. Converted Cowley 12-0.
The backs clearly wanted to get in the action and did so with some fantastic lines and tackle busting running led by Chris Luker, who off loaded to George, who came off his wing and release Gez with a pass into space who then beat two defenders to touch down. Unconverted Cowley 17-0.
Wheatley started to put pressure on the Chiltern team, and as the half time break approached, Wheatley score two penalties. This stirred the Chiltern pack who won a Wheatley line out, gave quick ball to the backs,with Chris Luker running hard and passing to Chad, who broke four tackles to score in the corner. Unconverted Cowley. Half time 22-6.
The second half started with a resurgent Wheatley winning some scrum ball, finding a large hole in Chilterns rush defence and going over to score. Converted 22-13.
Chiltern woke up and produced the move of the match. Dangerous picked up a lose kick in his 22, shaped to kick. However, he spotted a gap in the Wheatley line and went for it. Over the half way, into their 22 and he was still going. He then released a delicate pass to Chris Luker who span out a pass to Chad. With a grip not dissimilar to one of Tony Bissex exfoliating glovers, he tucked the ball under his arm and blasted over the line. Unconverted Cowley, 27-13.
The match then became disjointed and frustration set in. The good news is Ryan has been training as a referees assessor and the courses clearly state that one should give clear and honest feedback. Unfortunately, this should be given after the match concludes and not in the referees ear at the back of the ruck. Ten minutes in the bin for Ryan then.
Down to 14, but Chiltern where not to be denied. A penalty in the Wheatley 22, Cowley to Paul Luker, who looked up, picked a gap and the upper body strength did the rest to power over the line. That's two in two for the flanker picking up from where his brother left off last season. Unconverted Cowley, 32-13.
The match was petering out when the forwards went for one last blast up the park. Mikey covered some great yards, off loaded to Turner who passed onto Dave Smith in turn flipped a pass to Captain Long. With a side step and a quick rebalance he drove for the line. Four of the opposition where still between Long and the line but he was not to be denied, or was he. As the whitewash passed under him, he was joined by one Chris Luker as the ball was grounded. Clearly wanting to avert a dispute after the match, I choose to confer with the referee after the final whistle and I quote " I saw the said try clearly as I had taken up the perfect position. The Chiltern no. 2 was clearly carrying the ball as he crossed the line and placed it on the ground. However, if you refer to the IRB rule 37, guidance note 143AIII, subsection 5b sub sub section 23iiv, the player must be applying downward pressure to score a try. Therefore, I am in no doubt that the Chiltern no.13 applied the said pressure". Congratulations Crowbar Luker (thanks for the beer!!). Unconverted Cowley. (it was at least 6 people I beat, with at least 60 metre run and it was perfectly placed before Chris came along and tried stealing it off me ;-) TB)
Final Score 37-13.
A great team performance, Felix had a strong game up front, Will Howe and Chewy kept forward momentum and Rich Bobbett literally covered two pitches!!! Chris Luker ran strongly all afternoon and Paul scored two from second row. But for the second game this season, step forward Dangerous as the man of the match, out of position at full back but played like a seasoned 15.
Team:
1 Felix Stankard, 2 Tony Blair, 3 Will Howe, 4 Pouchy, 5 Persil, 6 Chewy, 7 STD, 8 Silver Fox, 9 Chris Cowley, 10 Baldy, 11 CCCP, 12 Gez Rowland, 13 Chris Luker, 14 George Cooke, 15 Dangerous, 16 Ref
Simon Williams -Team Manager
Aylesbury Athletic 27-35 Chiltern 3XV
Have you got your boots?
Aylesbury Athletic (3) 27
Tries: 3
Conversions: 3
Penalties: 2
Chiltern 3XV (30) 35
Tries: Shepherd 2, Feaver, Turner, Joyce
Conversions: Thomas 2
Penalties: Thomas
After a long week for skipper Rob, trying to get his side together badly affected by injury and availability, he was a little aghast to find two of players didn't have any boots! An embarrassed Rich Bobbett and Andy Heiron rapidly made various calls to sort out their predicament, and all players were on the pitch at 2.30 ready to start, only to discover the prison staff still marking out the pitches.
Today's 3rd team, was the usual mix of youth and experience, with a front row consisting of Nick Collison making his senior club debut, Rob Long and George Shanks, second row Steve Reitz and Rich Bobbett, and back row, Dave Smith, Simon Turner and Andy Heiron. At scrum half Scott Jarrold, fly half, Ryan Thomas, centres debutante Liam Joyce and experienced Brian Richardson, wings Chad Shepherd and Brian Feaver, with Ben Pothcay from the colts at fullback, on the bench Liam Gilhooly, and two youngsters Patrick Ellson and Alex Sodden.
It was a wet and windy day at the prison, and Chiltern started with the advantage of the weather, it quickly became apparent that the experience of the Chiltern pack, was going to allow them to dominate the set piece in both the scrum and lineout. However the youthfulness and fitness of the prison side would always provide a risk to Chiltern, especially later in the game, as it proved to be the case.
Chiltern started brightly, and some penetrating runs, by both centres and Chad coming in off the wing, all proved too much for the prison side, who conceded four first half tries, scored by Chad x 2, Brian Feaver and Simon Turner, with two conversions by Ryan Thomas, and two late penalties. By half time the dominance of the Chiltern pack in set piece and loose, the penetration of the running lines from the backs, added to by a lack of discipline at the breakdown costing the prison many penalties resulted in score of 30-3.
However the second half was very different, with changes bringing on Patrick Ellson for Rich Bobbett and Alex Sodden for Brian Feaver. The prison side started to realise they had superior fitness, and strong running by their Fullback and number 8 started to put pressure on the Chiltern side, who started to make sloppy errors and kick poorly. With 10 minutes remaining Chiltern found themselves only 3 points ahead at 30 - 27, Rob Long was injured and replaced by Liam Gilhooly, and a resurgent Prison team began to mount a last attack. Chiltern regrouped, found their composure and started to make their way back up the pitch, with a second front row injury, the game went to uncontested scrums for last few minutes, Chiltern managed to drive a maul deep into the Prison 22 win the scrum, and subsequent ball was sent along the back line for centre Liam Joyce to secure the victory in his debut match. Final score 35-27.
So my final comments must go to those making their return or debut, Andy Heiron making a long awaited return and putting in a great performance at 8, Nick Collison making his debut and dominating the scrum at loosehead, Liam Joyce, making a strong debut performance at centre, and three youngsters from our Colts making their first 3rd team appearances, Ben Pothcay at 15, with Patrick Ellson and Alex Sodden making second half debuts for the senior club. So who deserved man of the match? Rob Long for his tireless weeks effort to get a side together, Chad Shepherd for his brace of tries and strong running throughout the game, Nick Collison for his debut and dominent performance at loosehead? Well the decision and the Blue Orchid man of the match went to club debutante Liam Joyce for a great performance in the centre and scoring the fifth try for Chiltern making the result beyond doubt.
Team:
1. Nik Collison, 2. Rob Long, 3. George Shanks, 4. Steve Reitz, 5. Rich Bobbett, 6. Dave Smith, 7. Simon Turner, 8. Andy Heiron, 9. Scott Jarrold, 10. Ryan Thomas, 11. Brian Feaver, 12. Liam Joyce, 13. Brian Richardson, 14. Chad Shepherd, 15. Ben Pothcay, 16. Alex Sodden, 17. Liam Gilhoolly, 18. Patrick Ellson
Rich Bobbett, 14th November
Chiltern 3XV 53-12 Henley Hawks
Following the withdrawal of Chinnor IV from the league fixture, Henley Hawks travelled to Weedon Lane to take on the Chiltern III in a friendly.
Chiltern lined up with a front row of Nik Collinson, Captain Long and Will Howe, second row of Pencil and Mikey and a back row of Paul Luker, Simon Turner and Andy Heiron. Scott Jarrold started at scrum half, Ryan at fly half with Gez Rowland and Chris Luker at centre. On the wings Chad and Dangerous with Liam Joyce at full back. A strong bench of Stevie Reitz, Dave Richardson, Rich Bobbett , the returning Andy Sitzberger and debutant Paul Fletcher. All where introduced at half time.
Chiltern where out of the blocks first with forwards and backs combining seamlessly. On of these combinations led to the first try. Simon Turner drove the ball up the centre of the park, off loaded to Mikey who made some hard yards before releasing Chris Luker with a sublime pass. With ball tucked under his arm, Chris drove over the line to touchdown under the posts. Converted Thomas, 7-0.
The Chiltern pack where dominating in the set plays and Pencil used the ball with great affect to drive into the Henley half. The ball was then quickly passed down the back line for full back Liam Joyce, to join on the overlap, and score in the right hand corner. Unconverted Thomas, 12-0.
What then followed was a try of individual brilliance by the Chiltern winger Dangerous. Picking up the ball just outside his own 22, he shaped to kick, saw a gap and set off up the park.Passed the halfway line with an outrageous hand off and into the Henley 22 with a great line. Two defenders to beat, if you cant get round them, then just go straight through them with the barrel and sheer power did the rest. Unconverted Thomas, 17-0.
Chiltern started to relax and tackles began to be missed. Inevitably, Henley took advantage of this with a good backs move and scored out to the right. Unconverted, 17-5.
This was just the wake up call Chiltern needed and from a scrum against the head, quick ball was given to the backs and they used it brilliantly with Liam again joining from full back to drive over the line in the right hand corner to score. Unconverted Thomas. Half time, 22-5.
With five substitutions, a new look Chiltern took to the park in the second half with all keen to impress. The impact was immediate. Andy Sitzberger picked up the ball from number 8 at the back of the scrum. Route one to the try line was all that was on his mind and nothing was going to get in his way and certainly not the Henley back row and most of their backs. Power and pace got him under the posts to score, converted Thomas, 29-5.
The next move of the match, saw another second half substitute make an immediate impression. Dave Richardson found himself on the end of another incisive move by the Chiltern backs. Moving at pace, and with the legendary side step, he broke into the Henley 22 and flew over the whitewash. In an attempt to make the conversion a little more straight forward for himself, he through an outrageous dummy to move to practically under the posts to touchdown. Surely the conversion would now be a formality. Unfortunately not, a nasty slice from a faulty kicking tee (!!!!!) nearly got the ball between the sticks, but it flew wide to the left, Unconverted D .Richardson, 34-5.
With the forwards dominating up front and the backs creating space with some quick passing another score was inevitable. This time the ball moved out to the left for Chad, who used his speed to outpace the last defender to score in the left hand corner, converted Thomas, 41-5.
Henley continued to challenge and scored next taking advantage of some slack Chiltern defending. Converted ,41-12.
As the game came to an end, Chilterns superior fitness began to show. Firstly, Scott Jarrold picked out a great line and powered over in the right hand corner to score, Unconverted D. Richardson, 46-12.
Finally with the last play of the match, forwards and backs combined for Ryan to score under the post, converted Richardson, Final Score 53-12.
Firstly, Henley put up a great contest. The score line does not reflect how close the match actually was.
Some great performances, Scott Jarrold tackled well from scrum half and wing, Dangerous made some great breaks and Gez and Chris passed excellently. Liam scored two by picking some great lines to be there on the overlaps. Paul Fletcher had a great debut with some fast hands at scrum half and introduced some miss moves in the second half.
It was great to see Andy Sitzberger back at the club and he really made an impact in the second half. However, man of the match must go to Pencil, he dominated in the line out and carried the ball all afternoon which set a great platform for the win.
Team:
1. Nik Collinson 2. Tony Blair 3. Will Howe 4. Pencil 5. Persil 6. Pouchy 7. STD 8. Andy Heiron 9. Scott Jarrold 10. Baldy 11. CCCP 12. Gez Rowland 13. Chris Luker 14. Dangerous 15 Liam Joyce 16. Ref 17. Fletch 18. Andrew Sitzberger 19. Zulu 20. Flabio
Simon Williams - Team Manager 29/11/09
Chiltern 3XV 24-10 Oxford Harlequins 3XV
Wot no kit?
Chitern (17) 24
Tries: Luker P, Smith D, Turner S, Griffiths M
Conversions: Richardson D 2
Oxford Harlequins (5) 10
The big game took place today at Weedon lane, with the Chiltern 3rds, currently top of BBO 1N taking on second place Oxford Harlequins. However before both teams took the pitch a number of unusual obstacles needed overcoming, the opposition arrived from Oxford without their kit, but a resourceful Chiltern club managed find an old blue kit to lend them but even then the game couldn't start without a referee, and we were without a referee! With your intrepid reporter preparing to switch from front row substitute to referee, the appointed referee strolled nonchalantly in, forgetting we had arranged a 2pm kick off.
The 3s put out a strong starting 15, with Nick Collison, Rob Long and Julian Alexander in the front row, Mike Griffiths and Andy Heiron at lock, Paul Luker, Simon Turner and Dave Smith making up the back row, Scott Jarrold and Ryan Thomas were the half backs, Chris Luker and Brian Richardson the centres, winger's were Johnny Keen and Chad Shepherd with Dave Richardson at fullback. The substitutes were Rich Bobbett, Chris Cowley, Rich Tulloch, and John O'Clee all making second half appearances.
After a great team talk by Captain Long, the team were focussed and ready to make a storming start, Oxford sent the kick direct into touch, scrum back on halfway, no 8 Chewy picked and drove the ball forward 20 yards, supported by Dave Richardson and Scott Jarrold and followed hot on their heels by Paul Luker who managed to crash over the line to open the scoring. 5-0 up Chiltern were full of confidence and keen to make the most of the downhill slope in first half, this time the kick off was kept in field but again dynamic driving by Chiltern soon had Oxford pinned back in their 22, and Andy Heiron drove over the line, only to be held up by a good tackle. The Chiltern team, still psyched up from the start, required a big scrum and that's what came, Chiltern no.8 Dave Smith scored from the resulting scrum 5, pushed over by the brute force of the Chiltern eight. 3 minutes gone, Chiltern were 10-0 up, however Oxford began to slowly make their way into the match, and started to stretch the Chiltern back line by some good running lines, that demonstrated why they had won some many games recently, but great defence by centres Luker and Richardson, and a back row that were everywhere on the park kept Oxford at bay. Eventually the pressure told a good running move wide left exposed the Chiltern back line, the average age difference of about 10 years probably had something to do with it and the Oxford winger ran in a try wide left, making the score 10-5. Chiltern weren't put off and again played positively and a managed to score again when the backs broke through the Oxford line, and hot in pursuit Simon Turner ran in try number three, this time only ten yards outside the left hand post, and Dave Richardson added the conversion, making the half time score 17-5.
A heavy rain shower greeted the players in the second half, which helped negate the slope advantage Oxford had, and again great defence and loose ball play, kept the Oxford team at bay. On the odd occasion they did get passed the Chiltern defensive line, fullback Dave Richardson was there to halt their progress with some bone crunching tackles, and some long and clever kicks by him and Ryan Thomas at fly half made sure much of the game was played in the Oxford half. With 10 minutes to go, Chad Shepherd made a good strong run breaking free of his tackler and popped a ball to supporting lock forward Mike Griffiths to score try number 4 for Chiltern with Dave Richardson again add the two points, the score 24-5. With the referee calling last play, Oxford were stopped just short of the Chiltern line, however the referee awarded them a penalty and a quick tap, produced the last try of the game and a final well deserved Chiltern winning score of 24-10.
So onto my final mentions, of course the Oxford team manger for forgetting their kit, and the Oxford flyhalf who managed to put three balls onto the railway line in space of 5 minutes, get my vote as plonkers of the day! Chiltern man of the match was a tough choice with each area of the team, from the front row to full back, stepping up to the mark and playing well! The final decision was made that it had to go to one of the back row, who worked tirelessly for 80 minutes to make sure Oxford couldn't make any progress up the pitch, with all three bagging a try each, it was a close call but the decision eventually went to Simon Turner. So Chiltern 3rd team go into their xmas break with a clear four point margin as leaders of the BBO1N league.
Team:
1. Nik Collinson, 2. Rob Long, 3. Julian Alexander, 4. Mike Griffiths, 5. Andy Heiron, 6. Paul Luker, 7. Simon Turner, 8. Dave Smith, 9. Scott Jarrold, 10. Ryan Thomas, 11. Jonny Keen, 12. Chris Luker, 13. Brian Richardson, 14. Chad Shepherd, 15. Dave Richardson, 16. Richard Bobbett, 17. John O'Clee, 18. Richard Tulloch, 19. Chris Cowley
Richard Bobbett - 12.12.09
Wheatley 1XV 10-10 Chiltern 3XV
The First game of the new decade for Chiltern 3rds as they took on Wheatley at a cold and overcast pitch on Holton Playing Fields. It was 4th in the BBO ND 1 against the league leaders from Amersham and a tight contest ensued.
Chiltern lined up with a front row of Chips, Captain Long and Jules, second row of Luke and Turkish and a back row of Paul Luker, Simon Turner and Chewy. Scott Jarrold was at scrum half, Ryan at fly half, Dangerous and Chad at centre with Dan Bailey and Chris Sitzleberger on the wing with Martin Smith at full back. Subs where Mike Shaw, Rich Bobbett, Stevie Reitz and Mikey Griffiths.
After a five week lay off, Chiltern started the game a little rusty with both sides squandering possession and failing to take a grip of the match. Wheatley where first to get into a scoring position when a penalty was awarded for a Chiltern transgression at a ruck. Wheatley, keen to get some points on the board, pointed at the posts, but the kick went wide. This gave Chiltern the spur they needed and the forwards took the game to Wheatley, route one.
Some fantastic driving off the base of the scrum by Chewy and Simon Turner got chiltern to within sight of the Wheatley line. Scott picked the ball up from the break down and thrust for the line, coming millimetres short. The ball was quickly recycled for Chewy to tuck the ball under his arm, thrust off left and right foot, and then take three Wheatley forwards with him over the line. Unconverted Thomas, 5-0.
The forwards where starting to click, possession was being recycled at breakneck speed, direct running was making inroads in the opposition defence. From a penalty in the Wheatley half, the forwards drove the ball up the park before releasing Luke, coming in at pace to break through three Wheatley defenders to score under the posts. Unconverted Smith, 10-0. Half time.
At half time, Mikey replaced Turkish and Mike Shaw came on for Chris Sitzleberger.
The second half saw Chiltern slow, as the affects of five weeks of inactivity and too may Christmas parties started to take there toll. Wheatley began to grow in confidence and their backs started to cut loss. Some fantastic tackling from the Chiltern backs kept them at bay until an interception from a Chiltern attack let in Wheatley to score. unconverted, 10-5.
We had a proper game on our hands now. Chiltern attacked into the opposition 22, the ball was stolen at the break down, Wheatley counter attacked and scored under the Chiltern posts. Unconverted 10-10.
Rich Bobbett replaced Chips and Stevie Reitz replaced Luke for the last 20 minutes.
Both teams where going for the win. A penalty just outside the Chiltern 22 gave Wheatley an opportunity to snatch the match, but the ball flew wide. In the last play of the game, Chiltern won a line out, the ball went along the back line to Mike Shaw on the wing. We passed two defenders and cut a fine line towards the Wheatley line. Looking for the final pass to clinch the match, the pass was knocked on by a Wheatley hand and the game was up. Final Score 10-10.
Firstly, Wheatley made a great opposition, who fought for every point. Special thanks to Luke and Turkish for making the late dash to Wheatley to fill our second row. Simon Turner and Paul Luker fought hard at the break down all afternoon and Scott was all over the park. Dangerous and Chad made some great breaks. However, man of the match must go to Chewy, great try and tackled and chased all afternoon.
Team:
1. Chips, 2. Rob Long 3. Julian Alexander, 4. Luke Donnebaum, 5. Turkish, 6. Paul Luker, 7. STD, 8. Chewy, 9. Scott Jarrold, 10. Ryan Thomas, 11. Dan Bailey, 12. Brian Richardson, 13. CCCP, 14. Chris Sitzberger, 15. Martin Smith, 16. Mike Griffths, 17. Rich Bobbett, 18. Stevie Reitz, 19. Mike Shaw
Simon Williams - Team Manager 23rd. January 2010.
Chesham 1XV 6-19 Chiltern 3XV
Chiltern 3rds. remain top of BBO ND1 after a hard fought victory over local rivals Chesham, who sit third in the league, at a freezing Chesham Park Community College.
Chiltern lined up with Ginge, Captain Long and Shanks in the front row, Mikey and Gibbo in at lock and a back row of Paul Luker, John Hughes and Rooney. Scrum half Martin Smith with Ryan at fly half, centres of Gez Rowland and Chris Luker and wings of Scott Jarrold and Chad with Dave Richardson at full back. On the bench sat Pencil, Dobby, Nik Collinson and utility back Simon Turner, fresh off a plane from Singapore!!!
The start of the match began like any local derby with each team trying to impose themselves and dominate proceedings. The Chiltern forwards began to get the upper hand with excellent work in the scrums, Mikey beginning to dominate in the line out and the back row making a fantastic job of cleaning up in the loose. It was from a rolling maul that Chiltern opened the scoring. The forwards drove up the park to the Chesham 22, Rooney had the ball up his jumper as the forwards advanced. He broke of the back of the scrum, side stepped the first and second tackler and a huge gap appeared in the Chesham defence.
He blasted through and taking three Chesham players with him, he drove over the white wash to score. Converted Richardson, 7-0.
With the forwards dominating, the backs wanted a piece of the action, and they got some with devastating effect. A great backs move from scrum half to fly half and out to Chris Luker. He tucked the ball under his arm, picked a great line and he sliced through the Chesham defence and got to the Chesham 5 yard line before the full back caught him, a quick off load to Martin Smith, who did the rest, scoring in the right hand corner. Unconverted Richardson, 12-0.
The backs where really coming into their own and another incisive move set up Dave Richardson for his trademark sidestep and drive which just came up short of the line, with the final stretch to ground resulting in the ball being knocked out of this grip saving a certain try. Half time 12-0
The second half substitutions saw Pencil replace Gibbo, Nik replacing Shanks, Dobby replacing Hughes. The back row continued where the left off with some rampaging running and tackling recycling great ball to the backs. However, indiscipline crept into the Chiltern game and a penalty within range of the Chiltern posts was converted by Chesham. 12-3.
This stirred the Chiltern pack into immediate action. A Chesham scrum on their 22 was won excellently against the head by Captain Long and the front row. A quick pass out from Martin Smith to Scott Jarrold with 20 yards to go. Scott saw three defenders in front of him, but with pace and guile he crashed over to score in the left hand corner, converted Richardson. 19-3.
Chesham converted a penalty before the finish, final score 19-6.
Firstly, in freezing conditions, Chesham competed the whole match which was well worthy of a local derby. Hopefully the injury to the Chesham number 8 and Captain is not as serious as first thought and he has a speedy recovery.
Some great performances in the Chiltern ranks. Gibbo brought some great physicality in the first half and Ginge did not take a step backwards all afternoon. Martin injected some great intensity at scrum half and Chris & Gez where excellent at centre. However, after a performance like that where every ruck and maul were dominated, it would be unfair to select one of the back row. Therefore, Men of the Match goes to the four players who made up the back row in the first and second half, Rooney, Paul Luker, The Silver Fox in the first and Dobby in the second. Awesome.
Team:
1. Ginge, 2. Tony Blair, 3. Shanksy, 4. Persil, 5. Gibbo, 6. Pouchy, 7 Silver Fox, 8. Rooney, 9. Diggler, 10. Baldy, 11. Scottie, 12 Gez, 13. Chris, 14. CCCP, 15. Flabio 16. Pencil, 17. Bear, 18. Dobby, 19. STD
Simon Williams Team Manager 14th. Feb 2010
Aylesbury Athletic 5-15 Chiltern 3XV
The match could only be described as, at best, a struggle. This was mainly due to the unfitness of players, with some players actually playing in their first match of the season and many of the regular players missing for one reason or another. The win came down to the team's expereince and the tactical decision to keep as much possession as possible by controlling most of the set piece and dominating the rucks and mauls. The team was helped by the opposition's lack of experience which resulted in them being penalised too many times to be able to build a strong enough platform to strike.
The Saturday morning started badly with yet another player dropping out. Luckily Ben Pothercary came to the team's rescue and roped in his mate Dan, a welsh academy scrum half, so good spirits soon returned. Unfortunately for Dan, he broke his ankle two minutes into the game followed by Richard Bobbett fracturing a rib a few moments later after a push over try for Chiltern. Chiltern were awarded a penalty on the oppositions 5-metre line. The pack in unison drove the opposition back and left Charlie Kent to touch down and take the points. Hats off to the opposition's No.8 who scored the next try, a great 'Chariots Ofiah' try from the half way line, evading a few unforgivable missed tackles and touching down in the corner. Chitern's 2nd try came from Simon Turner (playing full back) took the ball at pace and was stopped just before the try line. The forwards rallied round and pushed over. A chatoic pile up ensued. In the aftermath, as the players peeled themselves away it was clear that the ball was grounded over the try line, but it could not be ascertained if it was Simon Turner or Andy Heiron who had grounded it first. This was inconsequential as the consequence was 5-10. Ben slotted away the conversion. 5-12. The 2nd half was a war of attrition. It wasn't pretty but Chiltern again had 80-90% of the possession. Some more tries may have come but there was simply too much lateral movement and minimal forward momentum. Chiltern kept up the standard of scrumming, mauling, and rucking, and wound down the clock until the final whistle. Considering it was a team decimated by 'unavailabilities', the players available did enough to come away with a result. It won't go down in the annals of history, but a win is a win!
Even though the rugby didn't look quite as impressive as previous weeks the commitment and passion was there and great credit to those who put their names down for this fixture, unpopular as it always is.
A big thank you to Charlie and Thomas Kent, Duncan Bell, Ben Pothercary, Dan, Brian Feaver, Rob Mowat and Jerry Green who stepped into the team this week to make the fixture possible. Also to my very good mates, Jon Hughes and Andy Heiron who changed their plans for the weekend for the sake of the team.
Man of the match: Simon Turner
Tries: Charlie Kent, Andy Heiron and Simon Turner (each had their hands on the ball)
Conversions: Ben Pothercary
Penalties: Ben Pothercary
Team:
1. Will Howe, 2 Rob Long, 3 Rich Bobbett, 4 Andy Heiron, 5 Pete Gibson, 6 Jon Hughes, 7 Thomas Kent, 8 Charlie Kent, 9 Dan 10 Scott Jarrold, 11 Brian Feaver, 12 Ben Pothercary, 13 Chad Shepherd, 14 Duncan Bell, 15 Simon Turner, 16 Rob Mowat, 17 Jerry Green
Chiltern 3XV 27-7 Beaconsfield 2XV
In a competitive fixture played on a very wet and muddy pitch, Chiltern demonstrated why they are top of the league with a display of fine attacking rugby in the 1st half and stout defence in the 2nd period.
Two early scores by Chiltern were the result of a simple game plan of keeping the ball alive, moving it before taking contact and good support. The 1st try was the result of a backs move down the left wing taken on by blind side flanker Tim Bond who was able to put full back Brian Richardson over for a well deserved score. The second try followed a blind side break by scrum half Tom Smalley who fed Richardson. The ball was moved on to Chad Shepherd on the wing and as he was stopped he passed inside to open side flanker Simon Turner who scored in the corner.
There then followed a period of stagnation as Chiltern forgot what had been working for them and began driving at the Beaconsfield forwards who were more than up to the task of repelling these attacks and turning the ball over on a number of occasions. To there credit Chiltern returned to the style of play which suited them best and repeatedly got close to the try line. Eventually Ryan Thomas executed a fine reverse pass to centre Chris Luker who scythed through the Beaconsfield defence for the 3rd try of the game. A 4th soon followed when Richardson got on the end of a passing movement to score in the right hand corner.
Half time: 20-0 to Chiltern
The 2nd half was a closer affair with Beaconsfield having a significant amount of possession and Chiltern being guilty of trying to play too much rugby in their own 22. Neither side looked like scoring until 5 minutes from the end of play Beaconsfield scored a sloppy try which the performance in this period of play deserved. However to cap of a fine win Chiltern managed to get in to the Beaconsfield 22 and following a series of drives Mike Griffithe drove over for the 5th try which was converted by Smalley to give the final score of 27-7 to Chiltern.
Team:
1 George Shanks, 2 Will Howe, 3 Dan Pettinger, 4 Mike Griffiths, 5 Dave Robertson, 6 Tim Bond, 7 Simon Turner, 8 John O’Clee, 9 Tom Smalley, 10 Ryan Thomas, 11 Anthony Page, 12 Dave Neal, 13 Chris Luker, 14 Chad Shepherd, 15 Brian Richardson, 16 Gareth Bourne, 17 Chris Cowley, 18 Mike Buckler
Match report: Stan Griff