Chichester overcame many obstacles to achieve an excellent double over their strong Hampshire opponents. They dominated the first half and despite losing 2 of their outstanding players for periods in the second half, Chichester held firm to win by 3 converted tries and a penalty to a converted try, penalty try and a penalty. Chi had to dig deep to assemble a squad due to injuries and unavailability and came up finally with a mix of experience and youth. The odds were against them on paper but they played with great energy and skill to clinch 4 league points and were unlucky to miss out on a win bonus. Tottonians had not been beaten in their previous 5 games and fought back after the break, collecting a losing bonus with a penalty in the last seconds of the game. Chichester moved up to 3rd place as Havant lost at Brighton.

There were nearly 200 people at the Mini and Juniors Lunch before the match and on the touchline it was good to see several legends from previous decades, three of them visiting from abroad. The Chichester rugby community is stronger than ever, and the big crowd was in festive mood.

The pitch was soft and slippery on a bright afternoon. From kick off the Blues were on top. For 20 minutes they hammered at the Totts defence on their 22. Chris Johnson, Scott Barlow and Aaron Davies stormed forward, and the backs feasted on quick ball with winger Cameron Hopkins showing his speed. Tottonians tackled well to keep them out but something had to give. Barlow broke through and Chi besieged the try line forcing infringements and penalties. They opted for a 5 metre scrum, Johnson picked up and dived over for the first try which had been hard earned and deserved. Tom Hutchin converted. Chichester had started well in the lineouts but they lost one at Vultures Corner after declining the option of a kickable penalty. Attacks continued and the ball was moved smoothly with thrusts by Johnson, Davies and centre Toby Golds. A penalty was won which launched phases across the pitch. Stretching the visitors’ defence, Hopkins joined in a switch from right to left which gave the space for Jack Hamilton-Fox score a fine try, converted by Hutchin. 14 - 0.A third try was denied when Chi went clean through but were brought back for a forward pass. Totts finally reached the Chi 22 and a penalty into the left corner gave lineout ball and swift transfer to powerful centre Baptiste to crash under the posts. Searle Converted. It was a clinical try from their first concerted attack. Chichester were scrambling to clear as the whistle blew. Half time 14 - 7 but Blues had enjoyed nearly all the territory and possession. They could expect Tottonians to become more competitive after a pep talk.

The scrums had been evenly contested and Chi’s men at the coal face Will Prior, Joe Shopland and Tom Belcher continued good work. Totts picked up and a promising raid was spoilt by crossing. Tom Polhill was cheered as he ran on as a replacement and joined his elder brother Ben. Chi probed again but sadly Johnson was injured and was helped off the pitch. Callum Lee came on for his debut and was soon showing his promise. Tottonians threatened but were forced out. Chichester swept to the other end and from a lineout drive Belcher twisted over a last tackle and plunged down for the third try. Hutchin converted splendidly from wide out. 21 - 7. Totts went up a gear with fly half Searle kicking long. They pressed hard and Barlow was surprisingly given a yellow card for his first offence which was a marginal offside in the red zone. Perhaps it was a team penalty but no previous warning was seen from the touchline. A scrum penalty was taken by Totts and Chi were shoved back, dropping it and conceding a penalty try with conversion. 21 - 14. Chichester hit back with replacement lock Martin O’Callaghan carrying strongly as usual. They won a turnover and penalty, setting up drives to get the bonus try. Totts infringed twice to stop them and Hutchin stroked a penalty instead to make sure of a well deserved victory. Then it was a case of backs to the wall for the 14 men in the last minutes to prevent a try. In the last seconds Tottonians were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and Searle made sure they went home with a point. 24 - 17 at the end.

As always, the Totts’ players and supporters were gracious despite their disappointment and joined cheerful gatherings in the Oaklands Pavilion after the game. A rest for three weeks and on January 6th, Blues travel along the A27 for the derby game at Havant. They will seek another double but expect a very hard game. All support needed and appreciated. Kick off 14:00.

Chichester squad: Prior, Shopland, Belcher, Barlow, Lindsay, Davies, B.Polhill (capt), Johnson, Heber, Adams, Hopkins, Golds, McCabe, Hamilton-Fox, Hutchin, T.Polhill, O’Callaghan and Lee.