This pulsating and see-saw game provided a classic menu of emotions for the cold supporters. Ecstasy, agony and relief were experienced in a dream first half for Chichester followed by a nightmare second. A summary might be adequate for those not involved. Chi scored 4 tries and 3 conversions in the first 30 minutes to gain another bonus point. OCs scored 4 converted tries in the last 30 minutes but Chi survived thanks to an additional converted try scored from long distance. The scoreboard was 26 - 0 to the Blues at the break but OCs won the second half 28 - 7 after a tremendous fightback. This was Chi’s 10th win in 13 matches but they were hanging on by their finger tips at the end. They remain in 4th place with 51 points but there needs to be much improvement in their defensive strategy to stay in the leading group. They were hampered by the loss of No. 8 Chris Johnson after which all the OC tries were scored.

Chichester were without their captain Jack Bentall and prop Sam Drayson. In pleasant surrounds and on a good pitch Chi were soon into stride after stopping an attack with a firm tackle. From a Tom Hutchin touch kick, lineout ball went to Adrian Lynch and Charlie Wallace to make ground. Another clean lineout catch by Nick Blount and the pack drove over, Johnson touching down. Conversion missed narrowly. 0 - 5. Aaron Davies grabbed an OCs throw, Harry Seaman made a break and won a penalty. Lineout drive and maul across the line, Wallace pressed down. Converted by Hutchin. 0 - 12. For 15 minutes play was even but the hosts made mistakes from knock-ons and kicking the ball too long. Chi were tackling well and looked in control. They developed attacking phases and their passing was secure. Reward came after good interplay by backs and forwards gave prop Joe Woods a chance and he took it well, bouncing a tackler and hurling his big torso under the posts. Hutchin converted. 0 - 19 after 25 minutes and perhaps it was becoming a stroll in the park. OCs showed they could pose some danger if they kept the ball but met solid tackles on the Chichester 22. Blues advanced again and a brilliant move with quick scrum ball from Seaman saw Lynch, Eddie Jenkinson and Sam Renwick put winger Ben Heber on his way from 25 metres to go around the posts for the bonus try. Just before and after the break OCs made substitutions which were to make a big difference to their prospects, but Chi seemed in the driving seat and home supporters feared a very big defeat. 0 - 26, but whatever it was in the OCs interval talk and possible magic potion, it worked.

Declan Johnson came on as a second row replacement and Chi restarted well with crisp passing but OCs turned them over. A Hutchin penalty to touch and another quality lineout was promising but ominously Chi were turned over at the breakdown. OCs went to the other end and now they were retaining the ball. Several phases inside the Chichester 22 we’re resisted but infringements brought a warning from the referee and Inspirational Chris Johnson received the yellow card. Sad for Chi, he could not return for the rest of the game due to a nagging injury. OCs finally got their first try from the left side and a step inside to crash over. 7 - 26. OCs were visibly pumped up and continued to press along the left touchline with scrums and drives supported by good handling in the backs. They scored again and converted as the Chi defence was stretched. 14 - 26. Chi had a brief respite with Davies now commanding the lineout but twice they knocked on and a kick ahead was not good enough. OCs countered and put Chi on the rack with their very large forwards winning consistently on the ground and smashing over the gain line. By some miracle the day was saved when Chi managed a turnover and Davies charged out of the 22. He was supported by other Blues who sensed the big chance and kept their cool. The OCs defence had been up in attack and three passes by the Blues beat a last man for Hutchin to run under the posts from 20 metres. He added the conversion. 14 - 33. Surely Chi were safe, but not so! OCs battered the Blues for the last 10 minutes with determination etched on their faces. They had become a completely different team and ran in 2 more tries, converted by their excellent kicker Potter at fly half. 28 - 33 into added time and Chi hanging on desperately.

Chi squad: Belcher, Gingell, Woods, Blount, O’Callaghan, Davies, Wallace (capt.), C.Johnson, Seaman, Lynch, Hopkins, Jenkinson, Renwick, Heber, Hutchin, Hamilton-Fox, D.Johnson and Cameron.

Next week Blues are at home to Tottonians who are tough opponents from Hampshire. All support welcome. Kick off at 14:00.