CHOSEN HILL FP 16 WELLS 13

Wells arrived at Brookfield Road in third place in the table but Chosen have been in fine form of late and despite missing several of their recent winning team through injury they were determined to continue their winning ways with winger Tom Darby and flanker Rob Panting slotting into the team and playing a full part in the victory.

Wells had first use of the slope and put Chosen under pressure right from the kick-off when the home side failed to gather the ball and conceded a lineout. Wells won the lineout, drove forward and Chosen conceded a penalty which the visitors duly converted for a 3 point lead.

Chosen got their first points on the board after five minutes when outside half Andy King landed a penalty goal but they then suffered a severe setback when centre Mike King was red carded after seventeen minutes for an apparent illegal tackle. Wells added the resultant penalty goal to retake the lead.

Despite the recent snow and rain the pitch was in reasonable condition and both sides were looking to play expansive rugby which made for a thrilling match with lots of end to end play and it was Chosen who, despite being down to fourteen men, were next to score.

A break up the left side of the field took play into the Wells twenty two where they conceded a line out which Chosen won and drove on with number eight Ian Riddel eventually getting the touch down in the corner. King’s conversion attempt fell short but Chosen had regained the lead and on the stroke of half time a King penalty goal extended it to 11-6.

Two minutes into the second half Riddel was yellow carded and with his team now down to thirteen men Wells seized the opportunity to steal a converted try which put them back in the lead by two points.

Riddel rejoined the fray as Chosen continued to look for the winning score and when Wells lost their hooker to a yellow card for an infringement near their line King had the opportunity to regain the lead but his kick drifted wide.

Desperate to gain victory, Chosen launched one final attack down the right flank and great hands saw the ball shipped to winger Jamie Gamble who raced in from fifteen metres to dive over in the corner. King missed the conversion but it mattered not as the referee blew for full time shortly afterwards and Chosen were left to celebrate another fine victory.