Chess Valley were our opponents on this blustery morning and this was set to be just like a Kasporov v Short type of contest! If last years match was anything to go by, then this could go either way. Stevenage started the strongest and had Chess Valleys defence scrambling from the off. After a number of quickly taken penalties, Stevenage had made their way into the 22 and with an offside at the ruck the ref signalled for another penalty, but played a good advantage, which allowed the bulldosing prop Charlie, to power his way over the line for the first score. Conversion missed. 5-0.
From the restart Stevenage again pushed their way up field. Some solid tackles and a good turnover allowed Chess Valley to clear their lines giving Stevenage a lineout on half way. A set move and a great jinking run saw Frankie score a great solo try from 40 yards out. Aaron made a successful conversion to give us a lead of 12-0.
Chess Valley then got themselves on the scoreboard. A great move got them out wide to beat our defence and score under the posts. coversion scored 12-7.
In the wet conditions Chess Valley kept getting themselves into good attacking positions but strong tackles forced them to make mistakes. With a spell of numerous scrums, Stevenage finally got back on the front foot and a superb break by the backs allowed Luke to get the final pass and speed his way over the line. Conversion missed. 17-7.
One final score was to be had before half-time and it went the way of Chess Valley, their large pack powered their way towards the line and scored a well worked try. Conversion scored 17-14
Half time
Chess Valley made numerous changes for the 2nd half and this was to make the difference. With 2 massive forwards taking to the pitch the Stevenage defence would have to step up and tackle hard. Stevenage started to pick up a few injuries and with a few playing out of position the Chess Valley tactics changed. A long kick and chase looked to have been dealt with by stand in full back Patrick, but the ball ricocheted off his leg and was gathered by the chasing player to ground it for a score to take the lead.Conversion missed. 17-19.
Their new number 8 was quick to get his hands on the ball and from a set play he burst his way through from 30 yards to power his way over for a great solo try, again the kick was missed but the lead was now 7 points. 17-24.
Then came the try of the match, with Patrick gathering another kick chase, he had 70 metres and the whole team infront of him but he was not to be stopped. He saw the space out wide and rounded the oncoming defence to sprint his way across the line. His pace was awesome. Unfortunately the conversion was missed and the score was now 22-24.
With 5 mins to play this could still go either way. With the game back under way, a charged down kick had the ball bouncing towards the Chess Valley line and Harrison showed a great burst of pace to get to the ball first, he looked certain to score but the ball had other ideas and some how evaded the atempted kick. The ball was gathered and cleared down field for a Stevenage lineout and this was to be the last play. Could we get revenge for a loss last year or would this be deja vu.
Deja vu it was! We won the lineout but the ball was spilled and a quick turnover saw the Chess Valley 9 kick it out of play to claim the victory.
A well fought game by 2 good sides. Final score 22-24
Unlucky lads maybe next year.Well played.
By Adam Amos (Coach)
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