Chippenham 3rds v Swindon 3rds

Mud bath victory for Gentlemen 3rds !!

Gentlemen gathered on the no#2 pitch to give their normal driveway pitch a rest...ummm!!?? Again numbers were good despite distractions going on, so 19 players including returning Cpt Wheeler were soon into the game wanting to avenge the early reversal @ Swindon. Prudhoe was soon marshaling the troops with his one minute warm up....overrated eh!! On a boggy pitch handling was going to be an issue not the case today with very few errors!! Hanlon playing at fly half said he didn't have the greatest of kicks, no bother from a scrum position received the ball from Prudhoe broke blind for Wallace to score great start converted by Fielder. Next to score was Fielder great start who converted. Sloppy realignment meant Swindon responded scored soon after their bulky Cpt McKenzie fly half tap and went. First rotation saw Dunn who is always contributing for Aikman late pass. Swindon saw yellow for high tackle. The influential McBibble then saw gap to score after good work from Wheeler, Prudhoe & Regan. The pack were solid as usual despite blue beard Harding not being available. Sloan was finding Adams/Dunn @ line-out time. Hartwell never read the brief as a slightly dodgy kick went sideways .. head down next time. Swindon scored again from a kick over the top a retreating Mcbibble fumbled in gathering the ball for their young player score unopposed and converted. Adams swapped for Dunn has he made the mistake of saying "I'm blowing!!!" far too close the skippers ear!! The referee was having a good game and he did tell us how his interpretation would be much to Prudhoe annoyance.
The half finished with a couple of changes for the 2nd Half, with Bell slight back twinge for Preston and new recruit Hannis for Hartwell. The pattern was much the same as gentleman were soon into their stride running the ball back at any occasion Storey now Regan were combining well at centre. Aikman was being penalized for squeeze ball to which he changed good effort. Spurway playing at eight scored under the posts from great scrum position. Mcbibble then made amends again for his earlier uncharacteristic fumble to score out wide. The influential Hanlon then received a very late tackle by their tight head applauded by their petulant no#7 another yellow card and sore ribs and replaced. Wheeler received the ball from a tap penalty, ill leave it to the backs next time. Elliot managed to get on to the pitch to learn on the hoof with this being his first game well done. Last Chippenham try was for Prudhoe from a great maul position backed himself. Swindon to their credit did score in the last ten minutes.
Final Score: Chippenham 3rds 39 - 21 Swindon 3rds.
Man of the Match: Paul Hanlon.
Thanks to all players, especially those that were interchanged.
Rick for keeping score, watching Chairman and supporters!!
So next week away to Amesbury meet 12 pm sharp max effort.
No fun bus... but back to Chippenham for curry@ 1930 Cafe India.