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Sat 09 Jan 2016 ·  Tribute Western Counties North
Cheltenham
1st XV
24
17
CHELTENHAM 24 CHOSEN HILL FP 17
Roger Locke30 Jul 2019 - 13:31
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A competitive and close fought match saw a resurgent Cheltenham score two second half tries to secure victory
Despite recent heavy rain and a mid-morning downpour, Cheltenham’s Newlands pitch was in fine condition and a strong wind blowing end to end proved to be one of the decisive factors in this entertaining match in which the lead changed hands four times and where twice the scores were level.
Chosen had first use of the strong wind and went ahead after ten minutes when a flowing backs move ended with full back Andy Waite crossing near the corner for a fine try converted by number ten Andy King.
Three minutes later Cheltenham levelled the scores with a converted try of their own after good interplay between forwards and backs ended with a try under the posts.
The match was being played at high pace with the home side shifting the ball quickly along the line and Chosen’s defence was having to work overtime to stay in the match but five minutes after their first score, Cheltenham broke down the Chosen defence and strung together another fine move that ended with them scoring a second converted try for a seven point lead.
Chosen showed their commitment and resilience by drawing level when King displayed good individual skills to charge through the home defence for a try which he then converted for 14 points all, and just before half time he added a penalty goal to give his side a three point interval lead.
With the wind now at their backs Cheltenham regained the lead after ten minutes of the second half when an unconverted try put them two points in front and ten minutes later they scored their fourth bonus point try which again went unconverted.
With fifteen minutes remaining the rain that held off throughout the match began to fall making handling conditions tricky, and the majority of the play was still inside the Chosen half until in the final five minutes the Chosen forwards managed to take play deep into Cheltenham territory to set up a grandstand finish.
When the home side conceded a penalty King kicked for the corner and from the resultant lineout Chosen drove play close to the Cheltenham line from where a series of pick and drives saw them cross the line but the referee adjudged that the ball was held up and blew for full time with Cheltenham holding on for the seven point victory.
Next week Chosen have a home fixture against Keynsham with a 2.15 Kick-Off
Chosen had first use of the strong wind and went ahead after ten minutes when a flowing backs move ended with full back Andy Waite crossing near the corner for a fine try converted by number ten Andy King.
Three minutes later Cheltenham levelled the scores with a converted try of their own after good interplay between forwards and backs ended with a try under the posts.
The match was being played at high pace with the home side shifting the ball quickly along the line and Chosen’s defence was having to work overtime to stay in the match but five minutes after their first score, Cheltenham broke down the Chosen defence and strung together another fine move that ended with them scoring a second converted try for a seven point lead.
Chosen showed their commitment and resilience by drawing level when King displayed good individual skills to charge through the home defence for a try which he then converted for 14 points all, and just before half time he added a penalty goal to give his side a three point interval lead.
With the wind now at their backs Cheltenham regained the lead after ten minutes of the second half when an unconverted try put them two points in front and ten minutes later they scored their fourth bonus point try which again went unconverted.
With fifteen minutes remaining the rain that held off throughout the match began to fall making handling conditions tricky, and the majority of the play was still inside the Chosen half until in the final five minutes the Chosen forwards managed to take play deep into Cheltenham territory to set up a grandstand finish.
When the home side conceded a penalty King kicked for the corner and from the resultant lineout Chosen drove play close to the Cheltenham line from where a series of pick and drives saw them cross the line but the referee adjudged that the ball was held up and blew for full time with Cheltenham holding on for the seven point victory.
Next week Chosen have a home fixture against Keynsham with a 2.15 Kick-Off
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