FROM THE TOUCHLINE

by Huw Thomas

Today we welcome the players, committee, and supporters of Aylesbury RFC to Ash Grove for an enticing Regional Thames 2 clash. Our visitors are comfortably mid-table, and we lie fourth, with a couple of games in hand on third-placed Old Priorians. None of that will count for much at two o’clock, as local rivalry comes to the fore. Chiltern won the corresponding fixture at Ostler’s Field in November, but only thanks to a last-minute, long-range penalty. It will be as close again today. Bucks ref Joel Taylor will be keeping order and it will be good to see him.

We come into this game riding a couple of wins on the road. To be honest, we played most of the rugby in beating Fullerians 27-33 at Cassiobury Park. Each of our five tries was excellent in its own way: Bojan Cecaric got two, with Jack Kenyon, Tom Fawssett and Mackenzie South all crossing the line as well. While the backs monopolised the scoring, the foundation of the win was laid by the forwards, who did very well to stand up to a physical Fullerians pack. Coach Hoskins was pleased and relieved to prevail again.

Last week the boys went down to Windsor to play a game postponed from frozen December. This was a hard-fought win, against opponents desperate to retain their level six status. Despite going 10-0 down early on, Chiltern scored four tries to record another bonus point win, 1722. This time it was Mackenzie South who bagged a brace, with Jordan Scott and Warwick South keeping things even for the forwards. Tom Fawssett (who knew?) kicked a couple of fine conversions.

If that game was intense, it was probably nothing compared to the Second XV’s match down at Chesham. Losing 22-10 at half time, Chiltern dug deep and allowed the home side no more points in the second period. Two converted tries gave Johnny Rice’s men a 22-24 win, which may well prove to be vital at the end of the season. Today, the 2s are away at table-topping Oxford Harlequins.

Huw