With a lot of injuries and players missing for County trials this was an opportunity to try some new combinations and to play some of the lads in unfamiliar positions.

We decided with Dartfordians to play 4 x 15 mins periods with no conversions to give as much game time as possible to all the players.

Period 1 Chipstead domination both in terms of territory and possession but we just couldnt get the ball across the try line.

0-0

Period 2 - more of the same but this time sustained pressure finally saw a score from Tom

5-0

Period 3 saw a big improvement in the team play from Dartfordians as they brought on their Kent Cup players so it was a defensive workout from Chipstead - the defense was strong with great tackling and rucking but we struggled to gain any territory.

one passage of play in particular showed the passion and commitment of the Chipstead lads when they repelled three five metre scrums in a row ( 2 held up and the third they won the turnover)

Eventually the pressure told and the Dartfordian forwards powered over in the corner.

5-5

Period 4 saw a more even contest with chances for both teams - Dartfordians managed to take one of their chances and unfortunately Chipstead didnt quite cross the line again

Final score

Chipstead 5-10 Dartfordians

Thanks to Dartfordians traveling from Kent

Thanks to Peter H for reffing

Positives - great defensive work - passion and commitment - a special mention to the Woodcote lads - Scott and Roemone who played their first ever game of rugby - you wouldnt know it

Negatives - not scoring when we had the chances - as against Guildfordians in the league we need to convert pressure into scores

Good effort - much to work on.