Chips end a tough week on a high!

Chipstead played their 3rd game in 8 days, and ended it with 3 Ws. We started off with a great come-back against Old Ruts at home last weekend, turning round a 3-19 deficit at half time to win 27-19. This was followed up by a rearranged Surrey Shield 1/4 final floodlit game up at Croydon. Always a tough place to go, but, after a determined 1st half, they were 10-0 up, with a good piece of play for their 1st try, and a lack of defensive concentration on our part for their second. But, we upped our game in the 2nd half, and we got 2 converted tries and a penalty, walking away 10-17 to the good. But, of the 3 games on the fixture list, today's always looked the toughest. Old Cranleighans were 13 points clear at the top of Surrey 2, and 16 points ahead of us. From the previous encounter at home earlier in the season, we knew they would be quick around the park, and try to spin it wide at any given opportunity. We knew in order to beat them, we needed to boss the breakdown, and also be organised in defense. We started the game brightly, with Pat Kisz running over the try line to go 0-5 up. Shortly after, and slightly against the run of play, they went over, converting to take the score to 7-5. Chipstead continued to look strong, and after Jeevo slotted a penalty, went in at half time 7-8 up. Old Cranleighans slotted a penalty early in the second half, taking a 10-8 lead, but, after some great play, Forrest went over for our 2nd try. This was converted by Jeevo, taking us ahead 10-15. He then slotted another penalty taking us up to 10-18, before, after showing great defensive resolve, and having gone down to 14 at the very death, Old Cranleighans scored, which they converted, bringing the score to 17-18, and earning themselves a losing bonus point. All in all, it was a fantastic display, with the forwards setting the platform for the dangerous back line to carve them open almost at will. This crowned what has been a fantastic week for Chipstead RFC, and, all those involved should be very proud of the week's achievements.