Chipstead Blues reach Etihad Cup Final Day

Today in the bright sunshine at the Stoop Chipstead Blues qualified with another great team performance for the Finals Day of the Etihad Cup.

The Blues team were Daniel B David, Elliot, Euan, Finlay, Inigo, Luke, Lewis Brown, Jack S, Oliver, Rory, Tommy and Tom

Chipstead 2 Hammersmith and Fulham 1

Our first match of the day was against a new team for Chipstead. The boys were fired up and came out the blocks running, with positive forward play. We took the game to H&F; ruck ball was won the ball down the line and onto the winger who went over the line for a good team try. The second try was again down to a strong team effort and good support play by forwards and backs. H&F were then gifted a try by poor defence as a player ran straight through the middle of four tacklers. However a positive start to the day.

Chipstead 2 Teddington 1

Our second match was hard fought competitive encounter. It was clear that Teddington were up for this match. Some outstanding forward play gave Chipstead the edge at the breakdown. Chipstead went two tries up through ‘Route one’ style rugby; however you play what is in front of you and this was not a game for silky back play. Again Chipstead conceded a try through missed tackles rather than through Teddington’s game play. In response, Chipstead raised their game and secured the second victory of the day.

Chipstead 0 Reeds Weybridge 2

This was game literally of two halves. In the first period Chipstead defended well and competed equally well at the breakdown. However we were committing two many players at the breakdown and our backline was getting ‘sucked in’, thereby creating holes in our defensive line. The first half ended 0-0. The second half commenced and Reeds discipline and team organisation came to the fore. They sucked in our players, exploited the holes in our defensive line and scored two well worked tries. Reeds are a good, well drilled squad however with more communication amongst our team this could have been a different result.

Chipstead 4 New Milton 0

A must win game for Chipstead if we were going to qualify for the next round. The boys were fired up and started playing strong Chipstead Rugby. The ball went through the phases, we competed strongly at the breakdown and the ball was fed out to the back line and four well worked tries were scored. To be slightly critical two additional Chipstead tries were given away; one being dropped and the other going over the dead ball line. Against the better teams we cannot afford to lose two tries through such lapses in concentration. However this was a strong team performance and a good victory against the Hampshire County Cup runner up’s. Chipstead had qualified for the Etihad finals day.

In conclusion

Played four won three lost one.
Tries for eight; tries against four.

Observations from the day

‘Feed the Speed’: quick ball from the breakdown out to the speed on the wing scores tries.

It is not about the player who scores the tries. We win as a team. Every player contributes, only one player can score.

Do not get ‘’sucked in”. Hold the defensive line. Speak to your team-mates and call them out.

Come up as one defensive line and hold your positions.

Lastly, as pointed out by Simeon what do I mean by ‘Malaise’ well here we go:

· Every game we play as a final with a 100% effort
· There are no easy teams
· Believe in yourselves and your teammates and we can overcome any opposition.

Well done today another fine effort, as coaches the pride we feel in your efforts and how you are maturing as a squad is a credit to the commitment and enthusiasm shown by yourselves. We must also mention the parents without whose on-going support there is no team.

Thanks

Paul and Anthony