Chichester win in style

There was a warm glow in the clubhouse after Chichester had won their final home game convincingly by 5 tries, 4 conversions and a penalty to 2 tries and a conversion. Both these teams are exponents of open rugby and gave some fine entertainment to supporters. The Chi forwards got on top and with hard driving and rucking, chances were made and well taken. Fortress Oaklands has lived up to its name as this was Chi's tenth win out of thirteen on home turf. With one league game left at third placed Cobham on April 10th, they will finish the season in a respectable position. For the next campaign their prospects will depend heavily on much improved performances at distant venues. This victory was the eighth time they had scored thirty points or more and their defensive record is also impressive.

From the kick off, half a dozen Blues handled sharply and play was in Wimbledon Dons' 22. Fly half Richard Adams kicked over the top and when they infringed, the penalty was put into the right corner. A competent lineout set up the maul with hooker Rob Lawrence tucked in with the ball. From 10 metres out they rolled forward and he scored the first try after just four minutes. Conversion was missed and Dons replied with their backs showing the speed and handling for which they are known. Two dummies were sold and bought in a 40 metre run and Adams saved a try with a tackle almost on the line. Chi lost a man when Sevi was sin binned for an illegal tackle before Dons' hooker Symon took the ball back from his own lineout throw and scored rather easily in the corner. An excellent conversion and Chi were down 5-7.

Seven minutes later Chi drove from another lineout won by Nick Blount. Moses Kasujja handed back to scrum half Jon Reid and the ball was shipped to centre Tom Polhill who broke through. It seemed he was stopped on the line but he received a helpful shove which shunted him across and down. Adams kicked the extras. Dons went to the other end and a clever pass through the legs nearly put the left winger away but the ball was knocked on. Dons' scrum was wheeling against the head but Kasujja was strong at the back and when going forward he regularly got over the gain line. The Chi lineout was in great form thanks to accurate throws by Lawrence and powerful lifts gave Blount and Scott Barlow a distinct advantage. Forwards and backs were combining nicely and made sure that dangerous opponents like Rees, Rawlinson and Charles were kept in check. Chi advanced again with fierce rucks but were finally turned over. Kristian Jayne showed his pace on the right wing but his pass to Chris Johnson, who was up in support throughout the game, was just forward. Full back Rudi Upton ran to link with Barlow and Kasujja and their determination won an important penalty which a more confident Adams put through the uprights. 15-7 at the interval and the game wide open.

Dons came out with all guns blazing but were contained with good tackling in midfield. Phil Veltom led a drive and Kasujja was only halted by a last defender. A penalty was kicked into Vultures corner and from the Blount catch and the rugged drive, farmer Veltom was unstoppable as he ploughed over the line. Conversion by Adams. Blues were now rampant and wnen the forwards were just held up once more, the ball went out to Polhill who tried solo. Another drive and Reid dived through for the fourth try. Adams was now back to his best and the extras were taken. 29-7.

Dons were constantly on the back foot with limited possession and when they tried to break out they were met by quick tackles and beaten to any loose ball. Prop Nick Shopland was working hard as always at the coal face as the packs continued to lock horns. Upton came forward and his high kick bounced awkwardly for the Dons, resulting in a fumble. Blount appeared from nowhere to snatch the ball very neatly and crash over. With the fourth conversion the score was a slightly amazing 36-7. Dons had their pride and applied late pressure. They earned their reward when flanker Anquetil hared along the left touchline and outstripped the defence to score a good try at the corner flag. A difficult conversion went wide.

Paul Colley said after 'The whole team combined to make this one of our best performances of the season. All the players made a contribution. They faced good opponents who did their best but we overcame them with the three quick tries in the second half.'

Chi President Alan Bradford is now at the end of his 10 year successful reign in which time Chi have been promoted three times and won the Sussex Trophy. This was a fine game to salute him. Also to say farewell to Tom Sully who is returning to Australia. He has been an outstanding player this season and best wishes for a great rugby career.

Chi squad Shopland Lawrence Veltom Barlow Blount Johnson O'Hagan Kasujja Reid Adams Seviua T.Polhill Fairbairn Jayne Upton Pugh O'Callaghan Sully.