Travelling into uncharted waters, the Colts played Chesham a team that neither U17s nor U18s had played before. With no prior knowledge, league points up for grabs and only 16 players, the Chinnor players warmed up like we were half asleep and disinterested. Chesham must have thought the clowns were in town!

Fortunately the boys woke up at kickoff after Matt Marley gave them a bit of feedback. Chinnor took control of the first half at an early stage giving little opportunity for the opposition to advance and the visitors quickly showed Chesham that they meant business.

Captain George L led from the front carrying hard through the center allowing tip runners and quick ball to the backs scoring 2 good tries in the process. Not to be outdone Tom F skipped through tackles and with plenty of eager forwards clearing we were able to create space and time for Henry S at fly haft to try out a few inventive moves.

Finn S was his usual self making some great hits and catching their backs a few time behind the advantage line. Harry R got his mandatory turnovers and the front row props of Louis A and Shaun B held their own and won against the head. Locks Magnus P, Rich B and Archie C carried well and won the breakdown allowing great continuity. The lineout purred and good ball followed.

Sam T and Dan M had a bit of a dream ride behind the pack, both clearing quickly and having a few darts keeping them under pressure with Dan pinching a try from a fast moving ruck.

The backs had plenty of ball with Alfie C straightening for a lovely try and Jude H and Rosco R getting plenty of chances to stretch their legs. Joe H took a nicely timed try, straightening up in attack and stepping his marker. Alfie C did well to convert 5 out of 7.

Credit to Chesham in the second half, who came out of the blocks fighting. For 15 minutes or so, there was a much closer contest with Chinnor making a number of fumbling errors resulting in knock-ons. Chinnor’s resolute defence, however, ensured the home teams renewed vigour was drained – without troubling the scoreboard. Chesham never gave up were gracious hosts in defeat. The score line did not reflect their attitude or commitment to a very well contested game.

Final score 0 - 45.

Report: Mike Thorby & Hugh Riley