Lot's of new rules and skills to learn and of course the introduction of tackling. On the hotest day ever recorded for the time of year, they had a fantastic start to the season. They beat the host team Guildforians in their first game 3-0 in what had to be their best performance ever. Great tackling throughout the team and a superb hat-trick of slinky tries from Martin Treacy.

The following game was a defeat to Warlingham, who with two very mobile, very big lumps who charged up the middle at will, flattening all and sundry who backed away from them. It was an important lesson learned by a the Chips team who quickly realised, the quicker you get in a big lumps face, the less speed said big lump can get up to flatten you with!

Next up were Farnborough for a what proved another tight game, with the Chips getting in everyone's faces quickly this time with much better tackling. Joe Brown returned from hospital with the fears of a dislocated jaw put to rest. An injury sustained messing about between games rather than one sustained during a game! Note to Ben Waller - Toby's big brother - your bruising tackles, torpedo kicks and general carnage are an asset to the under 12's squad on the pitch but a liability to the much smaller and younger under 9's off it! With Joe spear heading at centre and rest of the team following suit we made a real match of it. A few close calls on the try line which went against us an and we missed out by a couple of tries at the final whistle.

Last up were Old Allenyians from Dulwich. By far the form team in our group and eventual finalists in the festival. We went 3-0 down in a matter of minutes but a bit of organisation tinged with pride, tough tackling and some much improved passing, Chips clawed one try back in the second half without response. They ended the game 3-1 down against a very organised Old Allenyians to finish the festival heads held high but somewhat shattered.

Well done to all parents and grandparents who made the trip to Guildford to support their kids. A great effort from all the players in the Squad. Special mention to Alex Richings who was like an immovable object for Chips, on more than one occasion seeming to drive the opposition back 5 yards single handedly. Keep feeding him the spinach Celia and Paul!.

The full squad from last weekend are listed below. Well done guys and girls!

Guildfordians Festival Squad Chipstead Under 9's
Joe Brown
Toby Waller
Tommy Clark
Jack Clark
Poppy Oliver
Niamh Fitzgerald
Matty Garner
Ethan Woodcraft
Nathan Wilkins
Alex Richings
Charlie Kent
William Rich
Elliot O'Byrne
Martin Treacy