For the last but one away game of the season, Chiltern cruised to a comfortable 38-15 victory over South Woodham Ferriers.

The opposition have had a difficult season but despite being bottom of the league their commitment and admirable quality of working so hard to deny Chiltern an easy victory was evident throughout the game.

SWF took first use of the wind and its strength meant that Chiltern had little option but to keep the ball in hand whenever possible. SWF in turn used the wind to good effect and were repeatedly able to clear their lines when under pressure.

Early on, having reached the Chiltern 22 they were rewarded after 10 minutes with a simple penalty which gave them a 3–0 lead. This clearly galvanised Chiltern as they then took total control for the remainder of the half, moving the ball at pace and looking to offload in the tackle whenever possible.

After 17 minutes, a clearance kick by SWF was beautifully taken in the air inside his own half by winger Jack Kenyon, whose elusiveness and strength sent him hurtling up the left-hand touch line.  

He found support on his inside, then ran hard to take a return pass and dived over in the corner for Chiltern’s first try, which went unconverted. Five minutes later another flowing move left SWF without cover and centre Dave John had a straightforward run in for the second try which was converted by Stuart Pearham.

SWF were defending as though their lives depended on it and were frustrating Chiltern particularly at the breakdown which was perhaps being refereed somewhat leniently. 

However Chiltern simply worked harder and, having regained possession, a strong run by Jordan Scott was well supported by Simon Coldwell who dived over the line for Chiltern’s third try.  Pearham converted,  which left the score 19–3 at half-time.

Interestingly although they now had the wind in their favour Chiltern were clearly enjoying the running rugby and man of the match George Bartlett was creating havoc with his driving play in the open spaces.

After a series of moves back and forth across the pitch Bartlett breached the defensive line and stormed in from 20m out for the bonus point try. Again converted by Pearham, Chiltern were away and clear and further increased their lead when, after a strong midfield run by centre Tala Petelo (who had an excellent game), Kenyon did brilliantly to touch down in the corner.

Stuart Pearham now decided to get in on the act of try scoring and after a scything break he went over the line himself without a hand being laid on him for the sixth try which he also converted.

Chiltern now had all their substitutes on the pitch and with the job done, relaxed somewhat in the last 10 minutes of the game. SWF took the opportunity to repeatedly pick and drive through their forwards and scored two consolation tries leaving the final score 38-15 to Chiltern.