Chipstead U13s 'Exiles' win friendly at Crawley

Chipstead emerged from the Easter break, somewhat reduced in numbers (courtesy of school holidays and Surrey Trials) but evidently up for the contest at Crawley. With the Surrey Bowl final against Reeds next Sunday, today’s contest, in the sun and on firm ground, provided a valuable opportunity for running rugby.
With fourteen starting players Chipstead were loaned a Crawley second row This then started a trend with players being swapped over the course of the three 20-minute ‘halfs’. The first period of play was dominated by the Exiles with five unanswered tries (and one conversion) setting up a score at the changeover of 0-27.
The second of the three periods saw two Chipstead players don Crawley colours (and vice versa). This gave the hosts greater oomph in attack and defence; and indeed it was the Chipstead contingent that broke the host’s duck with an unconverted try in the corner. This was the only score during the twenty minutes. That is not to say there was not plenty of Rugby on show, however initiative and verve invariably ended in a knock on and scrum or turnover in the rucks and mauls. Right at the end of this second period of play Chipstead broke through and threatened the Crawley line only to see the ball spill forward. Score 5-27.
The third period saw further swapping of players and a definite increase in the intensity on the pitch (and I don’t think it was just the effect of the sun). However the game continued to be played in a good spirit; and the Chipstead/Crawley combos added to the dynamics on the pitch. The players were more than willing (on both teams) to pass and much of the interplay was a pleasure to watch. Pretty passing however does not, on its own, win games and so it was also nice to see good forward running from both teams with Crawley chalking up their second (converted) try to take them into double figures. Not to be outdone, Chipstead also pressed home their advantage with a converted try of their own. Final score 12-34.
With a full squad anticipated for next week’s final against Reeds this was an excellent run out for the Exiles and, as is customary a huge thanks to the coaches, parents and particularly the players of Crawlery RFC for hosting and providing an enjoyable competitive game. Well done also to the 'Exiles' and let's take the momentum from today's result into next Sunday's final.