OWs narrowly lose in local derby clash

The Counts spent most of the first half defending as a strong Chipstead pack was one of the few that have got the better of the Old Boys in recent years. Not only were the Counts under pressure in the set scrums but the Chipstead back row repeatedly disrupted Walcountians’ attempts to get the ball moving outside the scrum. However, Walcountians successfully kept Chipstead at bay until the 26th minute of the first half when a breakout by their threequarters from the halfway line caught the Old Boys shorthanded and finished with a try.

Walcountians were more effective in the second half with replacement prop Paul Harris stabilising the scrum and hooker Callum Tilleray and No8 Jonny Evans the most effective runners in broken play. But Chipstead’s defence held firm and Walcountians were limited to a penalty in the 20th minute from full-back Ross Norton.

Norton was close to giving the Counts the lead when a massive penalty kick from close to halfway narrowly missed going over in the 28th minute. But it was the home side which had the final word with a penalty five minutes from full-time which sealed victory.

Walcountians are next in action on 9 February when they take on Old Mid-Whitgiftians at Clock House. Kick-off is at 2:30pm.

Old Walcountians:- Norton, Fletcher-Rogers, Hardman, Abou-Zeid (D), Oldfield, Bentley, Chmielinski, Abou-Zeid (A), Tilleray, Anderson, Thornton, Henderson, Housden, Adams, Evans.

Subs:- Harris, Thomas, Vadivelu.