Mixed weather, from pouring rain to warm sunshine, was the order of the day in Devon in this vital clash against fellow lower table team Ivybridge, and it was the visitors who charged into an early lead which they never relinquished, eventually running out convincing winners and moving up to 9th place in the league.
Playing up the slope, Chosen, who had experienced full back Adam Claridge making his first appearance of the season, got off to a good start when skipper Andy King landed a penalty goal after just three minutes. Almost immediately Ivybridge drew level with a penalty goal of their own but then Chosen took control and after fifteen minutes their forwards drove a rolling maul over the line for second row Marc Riddel to claim the unconverted try.
On the half-hour Chosen went further ahead when winger Justin Andrews scored a wonderful individual try, sprinting in from inside his own twenty-two. King, who was back playing in his favoured outside–half position, converted and then landed a drop goal as his side took firm control of the match. With half time approaching Chosen’s other winger, youngster Ed Higgs, jinked his way over for a fine try and King’s conversion gave his side a commanding 25-3 half time lead.
Chosen opened the second half with another King penalty goal and then Higgs, who was again in fine form, crossed for his second and Chosen’s fourth bonus point try with King adding the extras. By now Chosen were in total control and it came as no surprise when just before the final whistle they went past the forty point mark when scrum-half John Wand produced a trade mark chip and chase kick which resulted in his try, converted by centre Matt Elston.
For Chosen this was a fine overall team performance with everyone contributing well and they now turn their attention to next week’s home match against eighth placed Paignton, which kicks-off at 2.30pm.