The Match kicked off in front of over 50 spectators who braved the conditions and immediately the contrasting styles of the two teams became apparent, with Aldershot and Fleet relying on their big and physical pack to make ground and suck in the Chineham defence. While Chineham used their mobile forwards and superior backs to create mismatches in the defence.
It became apparent which style of play was proving more fruitful early on where slick hands and evasive running caused the Aldershot and Fleet defence to concede ground and eventually a penalty 40m out from the A&F line. Dougie Ireland with a huge boot kicked to touch which led to a 5m out Lineout which Chineham won and the resulting Maul led to last season’s top try scorer John Lingham crossing for his first try of the day. Ireland converted. (7-0).
The next try would follow soon after in a period of total Chineham dominance with A&F unable to get out of their own half. Chineham won the ball from a turnover at the ruck and steaming runs from Jack Douglas and Will ‘Rampaging Bull’ Rouse put Chineham on the front foot. With the defence dragged in, slick hands from captain Tom Scoble, Rouse and returning Chineham cult hero Keegan Wicks put Matt Lingham (not wanting his brother to have all the glory) away in the corner. The conversion was missed. (12-0).
What followed was a period of scrappy rugby played in the middle of the pitch, however this included some barraging runs from Jamie ‘Rambo’ West on his return from injury, substitute Winger George Young and eventual Man of The Match winner Chris ‘Candyman’ Heywood, who continues to impress after a run of 3 weeks in the first team.
Just before half time, Chineham won a penalty just outside the opposition 22, Ireland again kicked to the corner and from the lineout, the resulting maul led to another try for Chineham in the corner, scored by the try ravenous John Lingham for his second try of the day. Ireland slotted the conversion. Half time score. (19-0).
The second half kicked off and much of the play remained the same, with Chineham looking the far more dangerous side keeping A&F trapped in their own half, this included a huge defensive shift from the two centres, Rouse and Wicks who proved more than a match for their opposite numbers. This was prevalent when A&F chose not to clear from their own 22 and sent their huge centre at Rouse. Rouse chopped his opposite number down allowing Ireland to be first over the ball and win the penalty in the jackal. Ireland kicked for goal successfully. (22-0).
They say a match is never won but it’s fair to say Chineham had a golden chance to put the game to bed, during a 3-minute period of incredible attacking rugby from Chineham. Slick hands put Harry Lockett in the clear down the left, but a stray pass led to the ball being dropped with the try line begging.
This missed chance seemed to stir Aldershot and Fleet to life, this was added to when winger Jack Soper was Sin-Binned for not wrapping in the tackle. Photo evidence post-match suggested there was a use of arms and it was a fair but totally devastating tackle. However down to 14 men, Chineham were under the cosh. This led to Chineham conceding 3 tries (2 converted) in the last 10 mins. (22-19).
Luckily mother time was on Chinehams side and the comeback was not completed. Final Score 22-19.
Overall Chineham came away very happy and feeling a tad lucky from this contest. With multiple injuries in the squad currently, a performance of this calibre shows the strength in depth of this squad. Chineham move up to 3rd in the table and return to action this Saturday at home vs Overton 2’s. 3pm Kick Off.
Chineham RFC : 1. Spencer Taylor 2. John Lingham 3. Chris Heywood 4. Lee Rudden 5. Jamie West 6. Rick Offland 7. Harry Lockett 8. Jack Douglas 9. Tom Scoble (C) 10. Dougie Ireland 11. Jack Soper 12. Will Rouse 13. Keegan Wicks 14. Lewis Cavanagh 15. Matt Lingham Subs: George Young, Chris Stratton, Matt Bristow