2nd win keeps Chichester 2s on top in Play off

When winning the first half 32-0 some would say that a larger score would be pushed for and achieved after some of the beatings the 2s have handed out this year. But for once this wasn't the case. Basingstoke in fact won the 2nd half 5-12, (maybe 5-7 had it not be for a very suspect kick off, cough cough!).

Chichester got off to their usual fast pace, and due to rotation of the squad and the large number of quality players the 1st and 2nd team have it was regular 1st team proper Josh Psczonka who opened the scoring with a strong run in from 5m from an attacking line out (2mins), this was however to be Josh's last play of the game as he twisted his ankle while scoring and had to be replaced by 2nd team regular Dave Stedman. For those of you that do not know, Josh has totalled 2mins and 30secs worth of game time for the 2s this season, his other 30secs coming in his first game for the club when he pulled his hamstring right after kick off. A lot of people used the phrase "man up" but this had no desired affect. Unlucky Zonks!

Brian Hinojosa was still on kicking duty after regular metronome Will Mitchell was called up to the 1s on the Friday night. He calmly slotted a penalty after 10mins and this was closely followed for a try by the ever impressive Liam Geoghagan on 16. Sadly the conversion was missed. 13-0 after 16 mins was the start Chichester had been looking for and they were playing some of their best rugby of the season.

Another try by Geoghagan on 27 which was converted, came from great support play by the returing Rhys Gillings and confident handling from everyone. A cracking individual try by Tom Jackson on 36mins proved his worth at 13, and it was his ability to attack from most places which gave Chichester the dimension they needed to break down Basingstoke.

Chichester for me then scored their best try of the season. The use of solid first phase ball from a lineout, where Darren Lockyer performed outstandingly, strong carrying by the forwards including Liam O'Hagan and Matt Corrigan and timely and skilful passing from the backs ensured the ball was moved from 1 side of the pitch to the other and back again for Jake Rigby to beat his opposite number and sprint in 25m comfortably round and under the posts. The conversion was added and Chichester went in to the break a convincing 32 points to the good over Basingstoke.

Many people wanted Chichester to kick on, but it was infact Basingstoke that played most, if not all of the rugby in the 2nd half. For all accounts the 2s had to clear the ball from inside their own try line at least 6 times from scrums, and could not clear effectively. The imprssive defence of Chichester could not hold out for the whole of the 2nd half and Basingstoke were lucky not to score 1 or 2 earlier tries. In the first attacking chance Chichester had in the 2nd half, O'hagan picked and ran from the scrum, Mark Giddings supported expertly, and sprinted in from 65m...again showing the pace that most of the opposition backline needed and wanted. The conversion was missed and Basingstoke must have been shocked it wasnt them to score first.

However Basingstoke came straight back into the game, and straight back on to the line of Chichester. With a ridiculously high penalty count Chichester struggled to get away from their own half and eventually the pressure told. With strong carries by their forwards, and the 13 a try was scored on 74mins and the conversion was scored also.

All Chi needed was a bit of control and the chance to put some pressure back on Basingstoke...this wasnt to be. A rush of blood to the head saw Chichester do a reverse kick off, and only 4 players knew about it. The ball was sweetly picked up by the Basingstoke winger, and due to the lack of defence (because no one knew about it!) he sprinted the 60m to score a try.

This ended the scoring. 37-12. Looking at that as an end result would lean towards a convincing win, however it was all but convincing as Chichester lacked some precision and conviction, joined with a penalty count that most teams would look to conceed in 3 games not 1, meant that it was very stop start affair. However, as they say...a win is a win and it keeps the ball rolliing onto the next two games at home - Tottonians on 12th and Hove in the semi-final on the 19th. Keep it up lads, still 5 games (potentially 6) to go of the season; a lot of hard work is needed!