It's difficult to write a better and more appropiate match report than the one generated by Ashford RFC (click on link to read).

After the rag tag assemble of mini-buses, cars and limousines had arrived at the Ashford ground it was clear Chipstead meant business and had come with an impressive number and particularly vocal supporters - thanks to everyone that came and supported the boys the effort was fully appreciated !

Playing into the elements in the first half Chipstead started incredibly well pinning Ashford into their 22 for the first quarter. Whilst impressive the lack of points was a bit of concern - with only a single penalty slotted by Tommy Nicholls to show on the score board. Ashford finally found their feet and began to swing the tide and exert their own period of pressure but again, just in the way Ashford had in the first twenty mins, the impressive defence qualities of both teams Ashford were only able to register a penalty kick of their own.

Half time: Ashford 3 - Chipstead 3

In the second half with the elements behind them Chipstead started to turn the screw, and truth be told, rarely left the Ashford half. After a quick tap penalty the pack drove close to the line to enable hooker Kieran Dupe to barrow his way through and register the first try of the match Tommy just pushing the conversion wide in the strong winds. Once again the defences came to the fore and few real chances were created in the arm wrestle. Ashford created a couple of good oppurtunites when trying to move the ball wide but the final pass missed their man and the chances went away not helped by a yellow card to the Ashford scrum half who whilst terrier like just went over the line and was given ten minutes to contemplate.

With less than ten minutes to go Ashford began to struggle to clear the ball from deep in their own territory without it constantly being returned with interest. Finally the pressure told and with his formidable running lines (and not to be out-done by his brother) Ryan Dupe took three Ashford players with him as he barraged his way over to realistically put the tie out of reach for the home side. Tommy slotted the kick to mean Ashford would need two tries in the last 5 minutes but were only able to get into the Chipstead half once when the Centre broke the first line defense to release his winger but the cover defense was able to close off the danger and see out the match.

The game ultimately settled in that first 20 minutes so coach of the day Brian must of really set the tone in his pre-match warm-up.

Full time: Ashford 3 - Chipstead 15

No man of the match as the whole travelling squad put in a shift and were an asset to the values, absent, Head Coach Andy Wright has instilled in the club. The travelling support left very happy and warm on the inside even if the exterior was not.

In the other Semi Final there was another Kent / Surrey clash and Old Wimbledonians beat Gillingham Anchorians to set up an all Surrey Final to be played at Old Wimbledonians ground on the 17th March !

Chipstead Rugby Club

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