Bold OWs chop down Chipstead for first win
Old Walcountians got their first win of the season at the expense of their local rivals, Chipstead, in an abrasive match which saw four players sin-binned.
The Counts welcomed back keystone forward Dom Bell after missing two matches with concussion but were still missing several regular players, notably in the back row where centre Ed Bellringer and hooker Rob Fleming had to play in an emergency. The opening 10 minutes were spent defending their line and they were relieved when full-back Ross Norton banged over a penalty to put them in the lead.
Walcountians forwards started to grab a greater share of possession as the match progressed, with prop Jonny Evans, hooker Callum Tilleray and lock Dom Bell prominent in competing for the ball and driving play forward. Fly-half Ed Armitage had another fine match with the boot and the Counts advanced towards the Chipstead line. In the 17th minute, the makeshift back row struck gold when Rob Fleming broke from a ruck and released fellow flanker Ed Bellringer to race over the Chipstead line and touch down for a try which Ross Norton converted.
A further penalty from Norton four minutes later extended the Old Boys’ lead to 13 points.
Chipstead remained a threat and the 31st minute saw them cross Walcountians’ line for a try following a catch and drive from a lineout.
Any possibility that the home side might exploit the slope and wind in the second half was rapidly extinguished by a competitive Walcountians XV who tackled resolutely to deny Chipstead opportunities to run the ball and by aggressive competing for the ball by the Walcountians pack, which produced several turnovers. More of the attacking came from the visitors whose confidence increased as the match progressed and brought their backs into play. Centre Harry Wrightson and winger Dharshan Vadivelu gave Chipstead a lot of problems, but no further tries resulted. However, both Ross Norton and Ed Armitage were on target with further penalties to seal victory.
Next Saturday, Walcountians welcome the visit of League leaders Old Whitgiftians, who are now coached by former Walcountians coach John Young. The match will be preceded by a lunch for supporters, and kicks off at 2:30pm.
Old Walcountians:- Norton, Fletcher-Rogers, Wrightson, Kennedy, Vadivelu, Armitage, McMullen, Evans, Tilleray, Anderson, Henderson, Bell, Bellringer, Fleming, Le Masurier.
Subs:- George, Housden, Stylianou.
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