A rip-roaring Sussex derby with end to end action and a very good and encouraging performance by the Blues. They raised their game against powerful opponents and gave them a hard physical test from start to finish. EGs just deserved to win but Chi were denied a worthy bonus point for a second consecutive game. They matched the visitors for most of the time but were undone by two lightning strikes by the EG wingers in the second half. Chi must take heart from this and continue to oppose leading teams with the same motivation and confidence. Tight head Phil Veltom was their outstanding player, carrying with great strength and always a menace to the EGs defence.

Due to injuries Chi had no 1st XV loose head prop available and had to call out of retirement the evergreen Nick Shopland, aged 49. Surely a league record for seniority. Mark Giddings returned at hooker and Tom Polhill inside centre. Tom Lowe at flanker and Ed Bowden No.8 made their first starts of the season. It was rather chilly but the wind moderated and the sun came out. The pitch was in fine condition for open rugby. EGs included several players from home and abroad who have played at higher levels. Chi kicked off, won possession and kept the ball for 4 minutes, working phases across the pitch with secure passing to both wings. EGs defended without alarm and handled for the first time, fly half Prescott finding touch with a long kick. Chi went back, won a lineout and ran again. EGs got in a tangle on their 22, Bowden snatched the ball and raced along the left touch, offloading to the supporting Chris Johnson to score the first try on 10 minutes. Alex Marsh kicked a good conversion. EGs replied soon with forwards and backs moving swiftly and Chi went offside. Penalty to touch, lineout and driving maul for No.8 Clayton to touch down and Prescott to convert. 7-7. Veltom and Johnson carried the ball strongly but EGs swept back and Chi infringed a number of times trying to stop their maul. They finally won a penalty to clear from a battle 5 metres out but the heroic Shopland had received a team yellow card for entering the maul at the side. Chi attacked against solid tackles but a wayward kick and then a penalty gave EGs another lineout followed by scrums and short passes for lock Cashmore to dive over. Conversion missed. Chi pressed forward, full back Jack Maslen almost through but foot out of touch. Forwards and backs combined, scrum half Harry Seaman and fly half Richard Adams supplying good ball. Penalty and lineout put them 5 metres out and they strained to breach well organised defence. EGs managed to turn it over and clear to touch. Lowe then made a big catch at a lineout and Veltom led the drive to the line. EGs went offside in front of the posts, Chi played on with free ball called and Adams sent a high kick to the right corner. The EGs catcher failed and Maslen robbed him to crash over. Conversion from the touchline was missed.

Half time 12-12 and an even contest with impressive rugby to entertain supporters in both camps.

Kieran Richter had already come on as front row replacement and now the experienced Ben Polhill replaced Lowe who had done a good job at open side flanker. He launched the first attack by the backs with Johnson carrying it further in his familiar battering style. But very suddenly EGs won their scrum on their 22 and sent a pass to the accelerating right winger Hihetah who gassed past three groping tackles with body swerve outside and inside. He completed a great try at the posts for easy conversion by Prescott. Chi tackled firmly to stop EGs twice and then began to apply their own pressure for the next 10 minutes when a score was vital. Phil Dickin claimed the ball twice in lineouts as Chi advanced to Vultures corner. Maslen and left winger Paddy MacEnri nearly got past the cover and the Blues pack hammered at the line but were twice held with inches to spare. They tried hard again but the scrum was penalised for wheeling and a crooked linout throw foiled another chance. EGs had survived and returned to the attack. Chi had to tackle like demons 10 and then 5 metres out and also survived scrums from penalties before they won their own penalty. The killer blow happened out of the blue again. EGs left winger Copsey fielded a loose kick and went like a knife through butter, attempted tackles falling off, and when caught 5 metres to go he offloaded competently to the supporting Dickson to score an excellent try. Prescott converted. Only 8 minutes left but Chi wanted at least a losing bonus. The pack drove, backs ran and replacement Danny Gray sent a penalty to the right corner. Driving maul went in and Johnson pressed down for his second try. Conversion missed. 17-26. They finished with another good raid by the backs and won a penalty. No time left for a lineout, Gray took the kick from the tee 30 metres out and half way to touch but the ball drifted just wide of the upright.

It had been a rousing and intriguing battle with no quarter given. Chi can now go to their next game at third placed Westcombe Park with more confidence. Kick off 2.30pm at Orpington. All support welcome.

Chi squad: Shopland, Giddings, Veltom, O'Callaghan, Dickin, Johnson (capt), Lowe, Bowden, Seaman, Adams, MacEnri, T.Polhill, Marsh, Bonds, Maslen, Richter, B.Polhill, Gray.