A first win in the League’s top Division for Chipstead U13s (Exiles)

A first win in the League’s top Division for Chipstead U13s (Exiles) was the sort of start to 2015 that everyone in the squad was hoping for. Various excuses could be made for the poor first half of the season – squad size, injury, and illness; however the bottom line is that 2014 is done and gone; and 2015 has provided the opportunity for a fresh start.

Against Guildford, Chipstead were provided with a competitive test in what was an enthralling match. This was a game that could really have gone either way. After a period of initial Chipstead pressure, the visitors made a break out of their own 22 and gained significant yardage into the Chipstead half before conceding a penalty for a hand off to the face. Not long after this Guildford crossed the Chipstead goal line only for the try to be disallowed again for a similar hand off. Chipstead, adopting a pick and go approach responded after about 18 minutes with the first try of the game which was duly converted. As the game neared half time Chipstead were again pressing inside Guildford’s 22 when good vision and anticipation by Guildford saw a Chipstead pass intercepted and Guildford went the length of the pitch to score a converted try. Half time 7-7.

Guildford started the second half with another try early on although this time not converted; and the game settled into a pattern of attack and counter attack with rucks and mauls contested with attitude. A Chipstead attack finally produced results with Forwards’ pressure resulting in a Chipstead try, again not converted. So with the scores at 12-12 both teams entered the final quarter of the game, honours even. Both teams had strong attacking options and there were chances aplenty with often frenetic scrambled defence and bundling into touch. However with 5 minutes to go Chipstead got the break and went over for their third, converted try. The last remaining minutes saw a hugely competitive Guildford team press hard to balance up the score sheet, but finally the referee called the game to a close with Chipstead ahead 19-12.

In summary both teams offered up a compelling game of Rugby. Both equally matched in application and approach this was a competitive game played in the right way and with the right attitude both on the pitch and from the side-lines; a big thanks to the Guildford players and coaches. Well done to the Chipstead players and the substitutes and to the parents and other squad members; and our DoR who came to support the team. Also thanks to Barney for reffing the game.