More double delight for Chichester as Trojans are trounced

They were dominant for 60 minutes and obtained a bonus point early in the second half. But Guernsey and Old Elthamians also earned bonus-point wins and the race for the title continues with five games left.

Before kick-off there was a minute’s silence in memory of Susan Butt, a loyal team supporter for many years who will be much missed.

The Blues made changes in their line-up with Jamie Knowles at fly-half, Tom Polhill at inside centre, Richard Adams at full-back and Chris Johnson at blindside flanker.

In the first five minutes Adams showed his special talent running around tackles with pace and swerve. Moses Kasujja went close with a touchline move before a move across the backs was stopped and cleared, but only to Adams.

He beat three men over 35 metres and touched down next to the posts. Knowles added the extras.

Trojans got going and the ball was passed crisply by the backs but forced into touch. Chichester mauled forward to gain a penalty to the corner, prop Ash Wheeler finishing the lineout and drive with the second try.

Trojans made ground but Nick Blount captured their lineout throw and although Blues lost their own, the Trojans thrust was foiled by a Ross Fairbairn tackle.

Johnson, Richard Deed and Billy Toone renewed the attack but Trojans twice killed the ball on the ground to prevent likely tries.

Chichester finally lost the ball and Trojans broke out, winger Stevenson accepting a good pass and beating a tackle. He went like a rocket to score in the left corner despite a saving effort by Adams.

Chichester went off the boil but the Trojans backs missed chances. The ball was kicked dead and from the drop-out it went back to Adams. He broke through on halfway and gave a pass to the overlapping winger, who sadly knocked on.

Play went to the other end and Chichester had to hold on against scrums ten metres out. The Blues, 12-5 up, needed to regroup at half-time and regain the initiative - which they did.

Chichester launched a wave of well-organised attacks with the pack in top gear and Knowles kicking accurately to the touchline or sending the ball out.

Toone and the tireless Ben Polhill made useful breaks. A penalty, drive and scrum resulted in Kasujja held up on the line but replacement lock Scott Barlow burrowed and dived over. Knowles converted with a good kick from wide out.

Johnson made a trademark charge from a lineout and ran over three defenders but a likely try was denied by another Trojans infringement. After a penalty and lineout, Kasujja dashed down the blindside for the fourth try and bonus point.

Knowles landed a brilliant conversion from the left touchline. Johnson penetrated again and passed to Tom Polhill, who was supporting outside. He had a comfortable run-in. Extras were added for a 33-5 lead.

Trojans got their second wind and after well-controlled phases their tighthead prop went over. The try should not have been allowed as there had been a clear obstruction to create the gap. Barlow received a yellow card for being undiplomatic when informing the referee.

More penalties were awarded to Chichester and the Trojans loose-head went belatedly to the sin bin.

A final lineout and drive at Vultures Corner brought the last try, Rob Lawrence emerging from under the pile of bodies holding the ball and smiling sweetly.

A stamp on Tom Polhill’s head in the last minute triggered an unwanted boxing and wrestling tournament which was ended by the final whistle and handshakes.

Chichester director of rugby Paul Colley said: “We played good rugby at times and the tries were well taken. Trojans were strong in their spoiling tactics but we could have been awarded two penalty tries.”

This week is probably the biggest game of the season, at Old Elthamians, who are two points behind the Blues, have won eight of their past nine and are the only visiting team to have won at Oaklands, with a 13-8 victory to their name. All support is welcome and there is room on the team coach.

CHICHESTER: Wheeler, Lawrence, Veltom, Blount, Taggart, Johnson, Polhill, Kasujja, Wagstaff, Knowles, Toone, T Polhill, Deed, Fairbairn, Adams, Shopland, Barlow, Mitchell.

ROGER GOULD