Chiltern are tenth in the twelve-club Regional 1 South East League table, with two teams to be demoted. We are four points clear of Harpenden in eleventh, with six wins against five and a better game-points difference (by 85). Realistically, Harpenden can only overtake us if they beat Tring with four tries and we get nothing from our game.

So, after eight months and twenty-one games (plus warm-ups), it all comes down to this: if we win or even if we get two points today, we stay up; if we get one point, we probably stay up; if we get nothing, then staying up depends on how Harpenden do.

Everything being in our hands doesn’t make the task any easier, however. Sudbury are a fine side, and they play some great rugby. They currently lie third in the table and will be doing everything they can to consolidate that position today.

We went to them on the first day of the season and lost 43-17, a real eye-opener for our players in terms of what this league required. We have learned much since then and are undoubtedly a better side now than we were in September but make no mistake that today will be a more than stern challenge.

Whatever the outcome, we offer a warm welcome to Sudbury’s players, officials and supporters.

That Chiltern have put themselves in control of their own destiny is largely due to a fine run of form since mid-February, when we have lost once in five games. The wins at Shelford and Bedford Athletic were outstanding efforts, and we played well to beat Harpenden at home, but the boys had to dig especially deep to draw with Old Northamptonians in our most recent game a fortnight ago.

Cheered on by a large and let’s say convivial President’s Lunch crowd, Chiltern were the first to four tries (one from Josh Finch and three, yes three from Joe Batt) and looking at a five-point win for a while, but ONs pulled it back to lead 26-29 with only a few minutes left.

Happily, the referee awarded the home side a penalty, which Tom Fawssett coolly slotted to make the scores level. Some frantic play left both sides with opportunities to snatch victory, until wiser heads prevailed, and Chiltern put the ball into touch to settle for the three league points on offer. News that Harpenden had lost confirmed the sagacity of that decision.

We were meant to have two senior games at home this weekend but the 3s Friday night fixture against Aylesbury was sadly called off. Nevertheless, their resurrection (and unbeaten record) has been an important development this season and we look forward to it continuing next year.

The 2nd XV have also had a good year, consolidating their position in Counties 2 BBO after last year’s promotion. They are away at Henley today but have arranged an early kick-off, to be able to get back and cheer on the 1s. Good lads!

As well as our guests from Sudbury, I need to finish by welcoming Arnold’s and all their guests to our annual Digger Day. As I’m sure you know, Peter Kenyon is our President and does a huge amount for the club.

I hope you have a great day.
Huw