First league game away to our neighbours Old Cats

Hoping for a better performance than our opening friendly against Wimbledonians

Squad decimated by injury and illness in the 24hrs prior to the game.
(Thanks to those who stepped in at the last minute)

Good warm up - 1 more player dropped out just before the start.

Match kicked off - very good passage of play to start game from both teams - Rob comes off injured after 90 seconds
Matts broken nose makes an appearance off the bench
Eoin gets injured

We consider putting Bertie Deacon-Jackson on - but he doesnt have his kit

The match was end to end excitement with commitment and passion from both sets of players

Good team play from Chipstead showed some early dominance but a few simple errors at the wrong time cost us the chance to score.

Cats didnt make as many errors and despite resolute defending cats eventually crossed to score twice in the first half both converted for a 14-0 lead.

We knew that the first score in the second half would be vital and again Chipstead pressure wasnt converted to the score-sheet -

Cats scored a third converted try to make the task even harder.

But heads did not drop - the errors were eliminated and the comeback was on. A well worked series of forward drives was finished off by Max G (conversion missed)

Straight from the kick off a great take by Matt D and some wonderful support by Tom almost saw the second score but a last ditch tackle put them into touch (if only)

Time was running out but still the Chipstead lads fought and they were rewarded by a finely taken try by Tom who sped down the wing despite carrying a knock to score under the posts - Quick dropkick conversion by Matt M

Score 21-12

would there be time for more - unfortunately Old Cats defended well to the end to stop any further comeback.

Ultimately a great game of Rugby played by two pretty evenly matched teams and played in a great spirit by all the lads.

Well done to Old Cats and thanks for hosting

Thanks to the ref.

A massive well done to all the Chipstead lads who despite the injuries and playing out of position all fought for the shirt and each other.

Scorers:

Trys
Max G
TomG

Conversion MattM