Chipstead 19 Richmond 19

A tough league game was anticipated against Richmond on Sunday. After a number of good performances, we were all looking to see how far we had come as a team, lining up against a big and highly credible outfit that have performed well in this league so far.

Playing with the wind and the slope in the first half, Chipstead played a great thirty minutes of rugby - lots of ball, good aggression in contact and the backs having a real go, hitting good lines and questioning the Richmond defence. We ran over for 3 tries before half time and (crucially as it turned out) slotted 2 of the conversions, one from the touch line.

The second half was into the wind ... and uphill in more ways than one. Despite going down to 14 players, Richmond started gaining an ascendency, and with three minutes to go we were a mere 7 points ahead. The last play of the game saw them go over for another 5 points, and their kicker kept his cool to slot the equalizing conversion with the last kick of the game.

On the one hand it was a shame to have got into such a strong position only to be reeled in again (and it has happened before!) but equally, a draw against Richmond (and a wonderful first half display) shows that the building and development continues ....

Andy & Nick