Chesham Vets 17 High Wycombe 4ths 0
It has been said that a Vets victory is rarer than a total solar eclipse but in driving rain and a gale force wind Chesham fully deserved their win on Saturday against opponents who were simply out fought and out thought.
Playing into the wind in the first half, Chesham's defence held firm against an early onslaught and soon were dominating possession by being (surprisingly) quicker to and (less surprisingly) more aggressive at the breakdown. Despite spending large periods stuck in their own half Chesham were able to retain possession and, by keeping the ball in hand, nullified the advantage that the conditions had afforded our opponents. With Simon Halley controlling things at scrum half and with Colin Hogg leading by example Chesham battled the elements to create a couple of scoring opportunities, and it was only heroics by the Wycombe front row in the scrum that held Chesham at bay.
With the scores somewhat surreally 0-0 at half time, prop John McRoberston hobbled off with a calf injury, with Phil Harrison coming onto the wing and Karl Cross moving up to prop as the pack was re-shuffled. With the wind and rain behind them Chesham set up camp in the opposition half and were duly rewarded when a catch and drive from a lineout (remember them?) led to an early try from Halley.
More was to come from Chesham - a break by Halley led to Cross strolling over virtually unopposed, followed soon after by Phil Harrison latching onto a Pete Springford crosskick to take the game beyond Wycombe.
A welcome and deserved victory for the Vets...
Chesham Vets: John McRobertson, Alan Smythson, Toby Adams, Alan Tungate, Karl Cross, Rick Glover, Pete Wharton, Colin Hogg, Simon Halley, Pete Springford, Guest, Adrian Willis, Paul Partridge, Midge, Danny Kerr, Phil Harrison.
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