Chesham 0 Oxford Harlequins 3rds 11
Rugby (remember that?) returned to Chesham on Saturday with two teams producing an exciting game with the result in the balance until the last 5 minutes.
Chesham were determined to perform better than their last meeting with Oxford when they were thrashed by 60 points. Chesham were aware how dangerous the Oxford backs were and set out to control the game with robust forward play. The Stags gained plenty territory in the first half but wayward kicking and poor clearances continually put the ball in the opposition hands and hard fought territory was lost.
In the few excursions by Oxford into the Chesham’s half saw the home side giving away needless penalties which cost the Stags 6 points. Towards the end of the first half Chesham’s veteran scrum half Steve Moore, who had a fine game, made a break that should have been rewarded with a try. Chesham support was late in arriving and Oxford held up the ball.
Chesham forwards dominated the second half and Oxford defended resolutely. The Stags camped on the opposition try line but failed to get the elusive score. Frustration showed. Back chat to the referee and Chesham gave away more needless penalties. The second half remained scoreless until the final five minutes when Oxford managed to release their speedy back and ran in an unconverted try.
Chesham skipper Gary Szulc got the tactics right but the final execution and infringements from the Stags let them down. There was plenty hard endeavour from the Chesham side. It was a great improvement on the last game with Oxford.
64 year old scrum half Steve Moore turned in a solid game and there were good performances from Chesham youngsters Chris Marriot and Jack Davies who both show great promise. .
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