Chosen Hill FP 17 Old Centralians 28

In an all action match played in three twenty five minute sessions, Chosen Hill led until the final fifteen minutes when their visitors ran in two late converted tries to take victory.

Originally scheduled as a trial match to involve players from all their senior teams, both sides opted to reduce their squad sizes and use this as a full-on match as they made their final preparations for the season ahead.

Chosen who welcomed back scrum half Tom Bangs, hooker Jamie wilce and full back Scott Claridge also included new signing Chris Jones at lock and they had first use of the slope but it was Old Cents who took the lead after fifteen minutes when they finally broke down the resolute Chosen defence to cross for a converted try.

Three minutes later Chosen demonstrated that they too had some speedy backs as the ball was quickly shipped through the hands of centres Ashley Lewis and Josh Pettifer out to winger Ed Higgs who raced over in the corner, Lewis added the touchline conversion to level the scores and minutes later he landed a penalty goal to put his side in front.

In the second period Chosen had the lion’s share of both possession and territory but the only score in the twenty five minute period was a close range try from Chosen number eight Dean Barnard which Lewis converted to give his side a 17 – 7 lead going into the final session.

Chosen lost influential players Mike King, Ed Higgs and Jamie Wilce to injury at the start of the final session and Old Cents took full advantage, running in two late converted tries as the new look Chosen side took time to settle.

For Chosen, who were missing twelve of their senior squad due to holidays or injury, this was a very useful team performance which clearly demonstrated that competition for a first team starting place will be very strong this season.