Fixture

Chepstow Team - Henry (c), Otis, Flynn, Tomas, Tomos, Will A, Will D, James, Owen

On a bright sunny Sunday morning local rivals Caldicot visited Chepstow for the third match between the two sides this season. You wouldn’t have believed the previous week that matches were cancelled due to the snow considering the balmy weather that this match was played in. Caldicot gamely donned bibs for the game when the matching shirts of both teams were likely to provide confusion to the referee, whom the home supporters mentioned to this journalist can confuse easily….

The first third (the teams had agreed to play 3 x 10 minute periods to give all players lots of game time) started with a brisk try by Caldicot which followed by a try for Flynn. Chepstow secured a 6 tag turnover which led to captain Henry to lead by example to get his first try of the game. Caldicot responded with a try to level the scores at 2 tries a piece. Otis scored his first try of the game, which was then quickly followed by two more after Chepstow secured 2 further 6 tag turnovers, with Tomas providing the fulcrum to Chepstow’s resolute defence. This finished the first third with Chepstow taking the lead 5 tries to 2.

The second third began with a try by James who provided great support to take the ball close to the try line and then avoid two Caldicot players to score. Caldicot hit back with a try of their own, there then followed a period where Flynn and Caldicot exchanged 2 tries each. The highlight during this period was a diving tag by Will A which prevented an almost guaranteed try for Caldicot, this allowed Chepstow to reorganise their defence and secure a 6 tag turnover. The restart was taken and Flynn ran the length of the field to score one of his tries. Otis then went on a twisty run with a spin on the try line to confuse the defence and score the final try of the third. Chepstow edging 5 tries to 4.

The final third saw Will A score the first try, again followed quickly by a try for Caldicot. Tomas was rewarded for his endeavours in defence with a strong try from some direct running. Henry scored a second try which was followed by his classmate Owen scoring his first try of the game after providing some great support play throughout. Caldicot grabbed a consolation try which was soon snubbed out by Owen grabbing a second try to finish the game. Chepstow winning the period 5 tries to 2. Considering their dominance Chepstow lacked a degree of composure in the last period of play with some indiscipline and a lack of urgency in their passing, sometimes opting to pass to a school/village friend as opposed to a support player nearby….things to work on in training.

Tries – Otis (4), Flynn (4), Henry (2), Owen (2), Will A (1), James (1), Tomas (1)

Man of the Match – Flynn Wixey