CHOSEN HILL FP 31 OLD BRISTOLIANS 12

When Chosen played Bristolians back on December 1st last year it was their first match under the guidance of new coach Chris McNeil and the scoreline was almost identical to today’s as Chosen ran out winners by 34-12. Since then, the Churchdown based side have lost just one league match, to runaway leaders Hornets, as their resurgence under McNeil continues.

Interestingly, Chosen’s squad for this match included five sets of brothers with Tom and Pete Gyde, Andy and Mike King, Ian and Marc Riddel, Mike and Tom Darby and Mike and Rob Panting all featuring.

Playing in front of a good sized crowd who were able to enjoy the sunshine for the first time this year, Chosen got points on the board almost immediately from the kick-off when second row Marc Riddel finished off a flowing move that involved both forwards and backs with a try near the posts converted by number ten Andy King.

Bristolians, who had a big pack, a good lineout, and a very useful back line responded well and five minutes later they were awarded a penalty which they kicked to the corner. A catch and drive from the resulting lineout saw them crash over for an unconverted try in the corner.

With the advantage of the slope and slight wind, Chosen had the lion’s share of territory and possession but fine Bristolians defence kept them at bay until hooker Mike Darby finally broke the deadlock on the half hour with a try converted by King.

Minutes into the second half Chosen’s Andy King left the field with a leg injury and brother Mike moved to ten with replacement Ed Higgs slotting in at centre alongside the strong running Dale Rennebach.

A good break from Rennebach and replacement Rob Panting set Higgs up for Chosen’s third try which was duly converted by full back Ashley Lewis.

As the match entered it’s final quarter, sustained pressure from Bristolians inside the Chosen twenty two finally paid off as they grabbed a converted try to keep themselves in the match at 21 – 12 but soon after Lewis landed a penalty goal and then to ensure victory, he converted Chosen’s bonus point try, scored on the stroke of full time by second row Dan Probyn after another flowing move .

Chosen now turn their attention to Tuesday night’s Combination Cup match against Spartans and then their penultimate league match away to Avon on Saturday.