Chippenham's U11 squad took 16 players to Maidenhead on Sunday. The morning opened with a joint training session that was taken by Maidenhead and then Chippenham played three matches two against Maidenhead and one against a team from Aylesbury.
Those watching agreed that this game was Chippenham's best performance so far this season. They worked well as a team, using their power in the scrum and showing discipline in the line. The team effort produced two tries in the first half, one each from Luke Gorman and Jamie Bevan.
Nathaniel Thake opened the second half delivering a third try and this 0-15 scoreline galvanised Maidenhead into action. They hit back with two tries but Chippenham remained one try up at the final whistle.
Aylesbury 10 Chippenham U11 5
As time pressed on, a decision was made to only play one half for the next two matches.
Aylesbury scored within minutes but Chippenham responded well. They kept Aylesbury off their line and a good display saw Chippenham's pack deliver an excellent ball to scrum-half Luke Gorman. He set up Michael Allies for a great sprint to the line and he scored the equalising try.
Aylesbury, making the most of every opportunity, found a gap in Chippenham's defence to land the winning try right on the final whistle.
Maidenhead A 35 Chippenham U11 5
After a great start, Chippenham's form began to wane in this last game.
The Maidenhead team were well disciplined and showed determination but it was Michael Allies for Chippenham who opened the scoring.
The Maidenhead offence eventually proved too strong for the visitors and they went on to score an impressive seven tries and take the match.
Maidenhead A 15
Chippenham Sharks 5
This first match against Maidenhead's A team proved to be a stern test for the Sharks.
Maidenhead were a very well organised squad with the home side putting the pressure on the visitors straight away. The Sharks found this hard to adjust to as well as the Maidenhead scrum and ability to maul very well.
The Sharks defended their line with the greatest of effort but unfortunately Maidenhead proved too strong in their set moves and scored on each occasion, the Sharks unable to regroup.
Chippenham's try came through debutante Thomas Dimech who ran in from five metres determined not to be stopped.
Maidenhead B 10 The Thrashers 5
The Thrashers on this meeting did not live up to their name and found themselves on the receiving end of the scoreline.
Again, this Maidenhead squad were well drilled in scrummaging and mauling. The Thrashers defended solidly and put in some forceful tackles but lost the ball in the maul which allowed Maidenhead in to score.
The final scoreline was a fair reflection on the way the game ended but it was perhaps ironic that The Thrashers try came from a player borrowed from Maidenhead.
Maidenhead U7s Chippenham U7s
ON a breezy autumn Sunday the Chippenham U7s travelled to Maidenhead, and after a training session with their Maidenhead counter-parts, they played two games.
In the 'A' fixture, Chippenham proved that they had learnt from their previous fixture and played confidently, handling the ball well. However, they struggled to defend as well allowing Maidenhead in for a number of soft scores which was reflected in the final score of 10-4 to Maidenhead.
The 'B' fixture showed the greater depth of skill in the Chippenham squad as they put the Maidenhead team under pressure with some quick tagging. With the ball in hand, they supported well which allowed them to score some good tries.
The final score for this 'B' fixture was 6-4 to Chippenham.
Maidenhead U9 Chippenham U9s
A limited squad of 11 players engaged in a mixed training sessions before three games were played.
Chippenham proved to be the stronger throughout the games winning 15-5, and 20-5 in the first two and securing a 10-10 draw in the third.
This last game produced a spirited effort from the home side but Chippenham's rucking and mauling had improved from their last outing at Stroud.
Their driving play was a credit to the players.
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