Match Report from David Page, Director of Rugby : Chobham Rugby 19 (13) v Tottonians 26 (10)
‘Basalt Global’ sponsored Chobham failed yet again on home soil despite holding a first half lead against top 4 side Totts. It is becoming a familiar story with the Mighty Chobham that having been in charge for 40 minutes they fall away in the 2nd period of play, before rallying when all too late.
Chobham went in front after 8 minutes when fly half Alex Seers was on the end of some excellent forward play, going patiently through the phases before stand in Scrum Half Harry Guy released Seers who went over, he converted his own try 7-0.
On 15 minutes Totts played their way back in as a fine back’s move saw Outside centre Owsley at pace beat three Chob defenders to score, with the conversion successful it was all square.
Chobham who in fairness made a range of changes due to injuries, school trips and stag do’s did look sharp and with New boy Ollie Campbell on the left wing winning his debut at 17 the picture does look Rosy for the future.
The two sides exchanged penalties before Chobham went ahead, earning a first half lead as Seers slotted a 32nd Minute penalty taking the score to 13-10 at Half time.
Seers played no further part as he had taken a knock in the opening half, Alec Thomson moved to 10, Guy to 15 and in at scrum half was Liam Cranford for his first start of the season.
Totts levelled on 44 minutes before Thomson put the Mighty Chobham ahead a minute later 16-13.
At this point it began to fall away, on 47 minutes Tottonians Owsley went through the Chobham back line like the proverbial hot knife through butter and with the conversion the visitors led for the first time 16-20.
Chobham tried to get back into the game, several half chances came and went before an exchange of penalties put the score at Chobham 19- Tottonians 26. Totts running out victors in a game that at half time, Chobham looked the more likely of the two sides.
Chobham need to learn much from the season, as we approach the finishing straight plans are being made for next season and full details will be announced soon, Chobham with it’s current group of players should be finishing higher than the 10th place they sit in, again injuries and at crucial times being unable to select a consistent side have not helped, but to move to higher leagues, a more polished mental approach needs to be in place.
Next Week the side travel to Havant who are looking for promotion and sit in 2nd place, however with recent results going against them, this is a MUST win game for them and I can see no finer opportunity to ‘ruin their parade’!
That is followed by the appearance of the Easter Bunny and so No game before we play our final league game at Home on 22nd April against Gravesend, the club will be celebrating St Georges Day in Style.
The season ends on Monday 1st May (May Bank Holiday) with a great chance to end the clubs 50th Season on a high with the Surrey County Trophy Final – Silverware always helps.
Match Report : David Page
Photographs: John O’Brien