Chi completed their 8th double and earned a necessary bonus point, winning by 5 tries and 2 conversions to a try. They had a poor first half, throwing the ball around in gay abandon against their relegated but spirited and hard tackling opponents.They became dominant in the second period when they had all the possession but should have scored more tries. Much better organisation and control will be needed to beat the very strong teams they face in their last 3 games.

Blues were without Ben Polhill, Phil Dickin and Tom Jackson. Toby Golds returned at full back and Ben Robson and Alex Grace on the bench. It was a bright afternoon on a good pitch but with a blustery wind. There was an electric start when Sam Renwick broke right through from his own 22 and raced to within 5 metres of the try line before being caught. Chi elaborated in attack and were driven back by long wind assisted touch kicks. Rory Tanner was sent on a typical run along the wing and then Tom Belcher, Jack Bentall and Niall Goldie linked to put Will Turner over from 15 metres. Converted by Richard Adams. Staines went close and were winning scrum ball. Two Chi thrusts failed with Dom Reid forced out near the corner and some wayward passing.Staines stole the ball and from a lineout they mauled competently across the line for an unconverted try. 7-5 to Chi. After 30 minutes Moses Kasujja carried powerfully from a scrum and a pass to the supporting Aaron Davies saw the flanker run in just left of the posts. A disappointing conversion hit the outside of the upright. Blues continued to make handling errors before a Staines man was sin binned for a deliberate knock on. A driving lineout was
held, followed by loss of a 5 metre scrum. The hosts tried another maul but this time it was stopped. 12-5 at the break and Chi guilty of too many mistakes.

After losing a lineout, Chi recovered and attacked from another 20 metres out. Adams confused everyone but himself by running sideways, backwards and then forwards before sending out a great pass to the marauding prop Belcher to hare down the wing. He beat the last defence and went around to touchdown and help the conversion by Adams. 19-5. Staines were not going to surrender, holding a Chi maul, winning their scrum and attacking dangerously on the left wing. Chi stepped up a gear and there were several moves across the backs before Bentall received a big hit in front of the posts. Chi then pressed at 3 lineouts but poor throwing made things difficult. Finally the ball was spun across the backs with good hands and Renwick scored near the right corner. Jon Lindsay showed pace with a break out and he, Billy Toone and Kasujja took the ball close to the line. Staines grabbed it and tried to pass out to the wing but knocked on and Nick Blount fell on the ball for the 5th and final try. Blues continued to press in the last 5 minutes and Belcher went close. Staines fought to the end and a winger ran hard out of defence, kicking ahead and forcing Chi to defend and clear hastily. Final score 29-5.

Next Saturday is the biggest game of the season against a very powerful Gravesend. Chi were rather unlucky to lose by 1 point in the away fixture but the Kent squad are in excellent form.If Blues win they will be virtually assured of at least second place and a play off game for promotion against a team from London 1 North. Massed support is requested,and please get to Oaklands Park early for the 3p.m.Kick off.

Chi squad: Turner Shonk Belcher Blount Lindsay[capt.] Davies Goldie Kasujja Toone Adams Tanner Bentall Renwick Reid Golds Lawrence Grace RobsonC