16th September 2006
EGHAM HOLLOWEGIANS 0:56 CHIPSTEAD

EHRFC came back down to earth with a bump on Saturday after a promising couple of opening fixtures. Chipstead (Surrey 2) won convincingly by 56 points to 0 on another glorious day at Kings Lane, to progress through to the next round of the EDF Surrey Junior Vase.

On reflection, however, this was not a bad day for EHRFC. Pre-match, there was an air of "same old thing" as the team prepared for this fixture with 14 players. Russel Wigginton returned to the fold (hopefully permanently) at 2.50, answering the call from former president Hayman, and JK made it from work at 2.55 to give as a full team.

Trooper kicked off, and EHRFC pressured "Chips" well for the first 20 minutes, before the firsy try was run in. There was some shaky first up defence, but the cover continued to scramble, and Chipsted had to fight for every point. EHRFC applied a some good pressure, but were unable to breach the defence. There were some good runs by Neeps, Russel, Mark and Rob but that first score was ellusive. The only real chance came from an attempt at goal on the half hour, but Troopers kick slid wide.

At half time there were some less than quiet suggestions from the irrate scottish coach, and EHRFC continued to pressure Chipstead, but were unable to penetrate a well organised defence. Chipstead scored a couple more tries, and with 15 minutes to go it was 31 - 0.

At this point, Chipstead stepped up the pace, and the close support produced 3 tries in the last 15 minutes. A weary EHRFC were running out of steam, but never gave up. The final score was 56 - 0.

EHRFC played very well against a side who are ranked considerably higher. The grit and determination was commendible, and perhaps the score does not fully reflect the contest. What is clearly obvious is that if EHRFC are to fulfil their aspirations of promotion to Surrey 3 this season, they must raise their game to a level demonstrated by Chipstead this afternoon. We must be half a yard quicker in all aspects of the game, and 6 inches closer to the ground at the scrum, ruck and maul.

Next week sees the opening league fixture away to Merton. EHRFC should have no greater motivation than to avenge the defeat at the hands of Merton in last season's Surrey Bowl final.

Man of the Match went to Mark Hyndman - another outstanding game with ball in hand and defensively.