After the wayward misadventures of last weekend, this was a much improved display of Rugby from the Academy. These were, as the score line suggests, two equally matched sides; and it really was a contest that could have gone either way, with Chipstead “winning” the first half and Chobham “winning” the second.

The conditions dictated the tenor of the game; and with the pitch having weathered a match on Saturday- enhanced by overnight rain- it made for heavy conditions under foot. Suffice to say that this meant that for the 70 minutes much of the competition was a contest of substance over style.

However, don't let that detract from the quality of rugby on display. Some of the play on the pitch wasn't pretty, but it was certainly effective. This was evidenced with the first Academy try which was a pure Forwards' effort in the form of a 15-metre rolling maul from the lineout- with momentum driving the pack down the field, over the line and onto the scoreboard (5-0).

The spectators however then had to wait another 20 minutes for the next set of points with a similar set piece setting the platform for a sniping solo effort from the number 10, who converted his own try in front of the posts (12-0). The visitors may have felt hard done by to be 12 points down as half time approached given the effort they had put into their attacking play; and with almost the final phase of the first period they went over in the five metre channel to narrow the deficit (12-5).

Playing down the hill in the second half the visitors had the advantage of both the gradient and the wind. After 8 minutes their wide play paid off with a try and a very narrowly missed conversion (12-10). Arguably this missed conversion was the difference between a draw and a defeat.

With Chipstead defending our small lead, and Chobham chasing a third try, the game continued to ebb and flow. As we entered the final five minutes the tit for tat parity was evident as both teams traded tries with Chipstead's third (17-10) countered by Chobham's third (17-15).

This however was the final score of the game.

So as usual, many thanks to the players, coaches, officials and spectators who contributed to the occasion. Next week we are at home again, against Effingham and Leatherhead (who apparently had a comfortable win against Weybridge today). So full numbers and a positive rugby mindset will be required for round three of the Quins Cup next week.