Chichester gave one of their best performances in soundly beating their old Sussex rivals by 4 tries and a penalty to 2 penalties. Their success was based on their forwards with a solid front 5 and an outstanding back row who were aggressive in attack and deadly in the tackle. Together with well organised defence the whole team was able to outplay their opponents in the second half. The Blues gained control and scored 3 tries in 20 minutes. EGs pressed hard for some consolation but it was too late to climb a mountain and they were unable to penetrate. A well deserved bonus point moved Chi above them to 4th place in the league. The visitors had aimed for the bonus win but returned empty-handed with several problems to solve to maintain a promotion bid.

Chi welcomed back lock Phil Dickin after a lengthy injury and also Ben Robson on the bench.It was bright but cold and a difficult wind was blowing at the kick off. Chi started well with Jack Bentall receiving and fly half Alex Marsh kicking long to touch. They went to EGs 22 and pinned them there for 12 minutes. The defenders showed poor discipline conceding penalties, 3 kicked into the right corner with no reward, but the next slotted through the uprights by Marsh.3-0. Meanwhile the referee talked severely to the captains to cool it. EGs finally escaped and Prescott missed a penalty from nearly 40 metres. Their right winger nearly made it into the corner but was bundled out. The Chi scrum was penalised and Prescott levelled the score. Another long range effort drifted wide. Chi absorbed two attempts by their backs to breach but the defence stood firm. At the other end Chi's driving maul was held just short of the try line. Two 5 metre scrums followed with Chi winning the second against the head to launch the backs across left and right . Inside centre Kieran Mudd stood up his opponent, stepped inside and crashed over for the first try. Not a day for conversions from wide out. Gs threatened again but Chi knocked them back. However, hooker Joe Shopland was sin-binned for a no-arms tackle which was effective but ruled illegal. Prescott kicked his second penalty.8-6.Just before the break No.8 Chris Johnson delighted home supporters with a trademark bullocking run and giant hand off which put a surprised tackler on his backside. Tom Belcher then ran on as front row replacement and Chi with 14 men until 5 minutes after half time. The game could go either way but Chi had dealt with threats and the pack was ready to assert itself and provide quick ball to their elusive half backs Ed Durkin and Marsh.

Play ebbed and flowed but Chi were probing and forcing penalties which were despatched into touch for good position. Bentall and Johnson surged forward and from a lineout Chi attacked on the narrow side. Phil Veltom scooped the ball and the big man charged 25 metres along the touchline brushing aside tacklers and scoring in some style at the left corner.13-6.Replacement fly half Meakin was yellow carded for holding on after a tackle and Chi turned the screw. A driving maul and the ball spun out, Durkin and Marsh working a half break,a pass taken by right winger Rory Tanner and his offload to opposite winger Tom Jackson up in support to twist and dive across.18-6. EGs were really up against it when No.8 Clayton was binned for a ruck offence as they tried desperately to cope with a man down. Chi backs were enjoying their possession and the ball was sent across to reach speedster Tanner who cleverly swayed inside and went over. 23-6 and the bonus point well earned. EGs were never going to close the gap but they applied pressure in the last 15 minutes looking for consolation. Flanker Denbee tried several times to break through from the back of scrums and rucks but he was foiled by the best no.6 in this league, Ben Polhill. Full back Betty also did his best with skilful footwork running from the rear but Chi refused to let anyone score, although Meakin got within a metre. Chi lost Dickin to a yellow card at a lineout but they were resolute and the whistle went to bring the curtain down after a great display which had entertained a very large and appreciative crowd.

DOR Paul Colley said it was their best performance for a long time. They had kept their discipline, tackled well and shown great team spirit in shutting out any EGs comeback in the second half. The tries had been well worked and finished.

The Chi club sends best wishes to EGs fly half Scott Meakin who leaves next month to play for a Sydney club. He has been an excellent player and sportsman for several seasons.

Chi Squad: Dowding Shopland Veltom Reid Dickin Polhill[capt] Bentall Johnson Durkin Marsh Jackson Mudd Lowe Tanner Adams Belcher Lindsay Robson

Next week Chi travel to Tring who drew 37-37 at Oaklands. All support welcome and room on the coach.