Chippenham 3rds V Supermarine 2nds

If only we had 15 players on the pitch at any one time, gallant in defeat!

Chippenham gathered yet again struggling with numbers already aware of a late arrival, Cpt Wheeler went in search and found Dan Jones having a touch Christmas meal I dont want to bench said Dan I said we will be able to accommodate that!! Also John Goodall/Peter Johnstone answered the call so fourteen players ventured to the driveway pitch. An average warm up Chippenham were soon into the game being very industrial in attack and defence. The returning no #8 Nat Parkes was going to have a frustrating day was first to score from the back of scrum great break backed himself to score. Supermarine responded with a try of their own game on. The first injury of the afternoon was sustained by Dave Nickson pulled his calf muscle too much touch rugby in the morning rest up, so 13 players continued. Poor alignment in defence, Supermarine winger exploited cut inside to score and converted. Supermarine were awarded a penalty and converted. The referee was hot on back chat and had to warn both captains. James Harding was warned about boring in on his opposite number been rumbled Jimmer!! Chippenham were awarded a penalty in the 22 m Wheeler took a quick tap made ground, took a face dive, ball recycled by Fielder and Nat Parkes was on hand to smash over great response. Bell at hooker was finding Jones/Adams at line-out time and is massively improving in that area. To compound Chippenham woes John Goodall was offside and shown yellow ten mins to contemplate life!! However Mr Case arrived after sorting out child care much appreciated, Chippenham had an overlap but was ignored. Supermarine finished the half with a try.
Chippenham were allowed to bring on Nick Regan fresh from his touch Christmas meal, thanks Nick to bolster the back line but still not a full compliment. Chippenham continued much in the same vain Nat Parkes again from a great scrum position scored again second jug of the season and converted by himself. Unfortunately James Johnson had to leave early to go to a Christmas meal thanks for staying longer, John Goodall coming back on to prop. Chippenham were again in a great position but decided to take the harder route and avoid the overlap no try as was the case when Arran Bell tried to do his inspector gadget hands impression was short in doing so strained his back. Jim Hamilton was making some great runs bringing the ball back from full back hows the ribs? Chippenham scored again through the influential No # 8 Nat and converted dont tell the 2nds Pike!! However miss fortune was too follow and Nat Parkes suffered a twisted knee injury and had to leave. Still not a full compliment Chippenham were down to 12 when Arran Bell suffered a calf injury over training!! Now with Chippenham just ahead by 3 points could Chippenham hold out?So with using our front row replacement Chippenham went to uncontested but had to have 8 in the scrum. So with Supermarine with 15 it took them a while, but they found our weakness to score three late tries to flatter the scoreline.
A great game under the circumstances, thanks to Dan Jones, Goodall, Johnstone, Regan for helping great spirit.
Thanks to all the water boys especially Leigh Lawrence head water boy!!
Also thanks to the referee late appointment. Speedy recovery all injured players today and those in the shed!!
Final score: Chippenham 3rds 26 - 42 Supermarine 2nds
Man of the match: Nat Parkes
Well that finishes a great first half season 5th in DW3N. Won 5 lost 5.
Next game: Devizes 3rds Home 13th Jan 18 meet 1300
So have a great Christmas and HNY.
Boxing day game over 30's v under see website for details!!