CHOSEN HILL FP 18 WADEBRIDGE CAMELS 12

On a bright sunny day Wadebridge has first use of the Brookfield Road slope but it was Chosen who took the lead after fifteen minutes when young winger Ed Higgs powered over in the corner for the first of his two tries. Skipper Andy King’s conversion attempt drifted wide of the upright but the five point lead provided the confidence boost the home side needed and they continued to play with spirit and determination with their set scrum proving particularly effective thanks to the experience and efforts of the front row of Dave Revell, Chris Dallard and evergreen tight head Jonny Mullis.

The Camels, who arrived in sixth place in the table, provided stiff opposition and with their big back row trio constantly driving forward they eventually broke down the Chosen defence with second row Mark Grubb crossing for a try converted by number ten Josh Taylor.

With thirty five minutes played the visitors increased their lead with an unconverted try from hooker Matt Ballard but Chosen had the final say of the half as King landed a penalty goal to reduce the deficit to four points.

With the advantage of the slope Chosen went straight on the attack in the second half but it was a full thirty minutes before they eventually edged their way in front when Higgs crossed for his second try, again scored in the corner and again unconverted.

In a nail biting final ten minutes Chosen threw everything into attack and after a series of five metre scrums their forwards finally got the ball over the line via a rolling maul but were unable to ground it. The referee ordered another five metre scrum, number eight Rich Austin picked up and drove for the line and was halted a metre out but scrum half John Wand, who had been in impressive form all afternoon, was on hand to grab the ball and dive over for Chosen’s third try. Centre Matt Elston’s conversion attempt fell short of the posts as the final whistle signalled the end of a highly competitive match.

Next Saturday, Chosen play their final match of the season when they entertain Clevedon in a 2.30 pm kick-off re-arranged league match at Brookfield Road.