CHOSEN HILL FP 39 CIRENCESTER 35

Cirencester, who arrived still looking for their first league victory had first use of the Brookfield Road slope and although Chosen were first to score with a penalty goal from Scott Claridge and a well worked try from young winger Dan Robinson it was the visitors who took control of the half, looking very unlike a side rooted to the bottom of the table.

First they ran in a converted try after some loose defence from Chosen and then minutes later they repeated the score as their pacey backs combined well to send their winger in under the posts. Then, with the last play of the half they ran in try number three, again converted for a 21-8 interval lead.

Chosen had lost centre Josh Pettifer to injury and he was replaced by experienced outside half Andy King, who was to have a major influence on the outcome of the match with his tactical kicking and general all round play.

Although Cirencester opened the second half scoring with a penalty goal, Chosen began their comeback when King tapped a quick penalty fifteen metres out and powered over for a try converted by Claridge.

Two minutes later Chosen winger Tom Darby raced over for a try after good work from his fellow backs and Claridge added the extras to reduce the deficit to just two points but Cirencester were still very much in the match and they then landed two long range penalty goals to lead by eight points.

With full time approaching Claridge banged over another penalty goal meaning that his side needed a converted try to take the lead for the first time and it was winger Ed Higgs who duly obliged, racing through the visitors defence to cross near the posts. Claridge converted and Chosen led by two points.

With injury time being played Chosen number eight Mike Panting fielded a kick near the touchline forty metres out and he showed remarkable pace as he sprinted down the touch line to crash over in the corner with Claridge adding the conversion for a 39-30 lead but Cirencester were not finished and with the final play of the match they crossed for their forth try which earned them two valuable bonus points that could prove vital at the end of the season.

Next week Chosen travel to Drybrook for a “double header” league and Gloucestershire Intermediate Cup Quarter Final match.