Chichester 34 Sutton & Epsom 5

Chichester 34 Sutton and Epsom 5. [Friendly game]. Match report by Roger Gould.

This competitive warm-up between Chi and their London1 [South] opponents consisted of 4 x 25 minute sessions and the Blues used a total of 30 players. .As both the 1st XV and 2nd XV face tough league seasons this year it was a good chance for the coaches to assess performances prior to selection of the squads. There were half a dozen new faces and all team positions were under review. Chi were without 4 of their pack from last season but they will appear in other friendlies by the end of the month. Although this meant there was limited possession from the set scrums, Chi had enough flair around the pitch to win by 6 tries and 2 conversions to one try.

Sutton had most of the play in the first 10 minutes but the home defence held and inside centre Kieran Mudd then broke through to run 40 metres and almost bring about a try. Mistakes were made by both sides before wing forward Charlie Wallace sent out a lovely long pass to Mudd and the 18 year old Welshman hit a good line to score under the posts. Conversion by Henry Anscombe.

Chris Johnson broke out from the Chi 22 and his remarkable overhead pass found Richard Adams. The speedy full back sprinted 45 metres along the left touchline and evaded tackles to round behind the posts. Conversion by Anscombe,14-0. End of session one.

Changes were made and Sutton pressed hard. Danny Kirkpatrick was busy at full back but gathered and ran well. The visitors forced penalties and opted for scrums and crossfield running which gave them a deserved try. Chi gradually got going again and showed slick handling before being forced into touch 10 metres out. A scrum followed soon after and Sutton infringed. Scrum half Billy Toone took a very quick tap penalty and his well timed pass gave Charlie Wallace his chance to squeeze over at the right corner. 19-5.

The third session began with a typical powerful run by Johnson, smashing over tackles before Aaron Lowe [ex- Hartpury and Barking] made ground , passing to Mark Giddings who ran impressively 35 metres, skipping past defenders and scoring the fourth try. Errors continued and chances were missed until Lowe put Nat Jackson on a jinking run. The attack broke down but Adams flew down the opposite wing and as the Sutton full back tried a desperate last tackle, the ball was popped to Anscombe to finish off at the right corner flag. 29-5.

Chi were in control in the last period but Sutton stuck to the task and continued to tackle hard and occasionally threaten in their back line. Chi had some sharp inter-passing and Danny Gray at fly half showed his class with some arrowed passes to the centres. Chi still found it difficult to adjust to the need for phased play to create clear chances but just before the end winger Tom Jackson collected a pass to run in from 20 metres. Final score 34-5. With thanks to Sutton and hope that they have a successful season. The Surrey men were in return grateful for the loan of experienced Chi prop Nick Shopland who tried hard not to collide with his son Joe playing for Blues!

DOR Paul Colley said it had been a very useful afternoon for players and coaches, “We were able to try a number of combinations with newcomer Mudd definately showing some potential and Charlie Wallace , Rhys Gillings and Joe Shopland reflecting their pre-season form with excellent showings. With the guys to still to come in and the 30 or so guys from today we are pleased to have some serious competition for places”.