Surrey U22 Competition
Friday 22 December
Trinity RFC 33 – 14 Chipstead RFC

Trinity U22s welcomed Chipstead to LMA for their first match in the U22 competition – conditions were blustery but dry and both teams were welcomed by a big crowd.

Trinity were led by Co-captains Ben Valiant & Olly Hubbard who were joined by a squad full of new faces to the club.
Chipstead played down the slope with the wind behind their backs and used the conditions to score an early try with relentless pressure on the Trinity line. Continued infringements enabled Chipstead to gain territory and it was looking quite ominous for the home side.

Trinity were able to take more control with some effective exits from their 22 with scrum half Ewan Entwistle and fly half Tom Sullivan. Strong forward carries from Alfie Lamb, Joe Connelly and Olly Hubbard enabled Trinity to play on the front foot and release their impressive backs.

This resulted in scores from Olly Hubbard created by Aidan Sisk with a line break and smart off-load, and Aidan himself scored in the first half.

Ross Sinclair scored from a catch & drive close to the Chipstead line which was just reward for his lineout throwing in tricky conditions and for an overall impressive first half.

Chipstead were able to come back into the game after more breakdown infringements from Trinity resulting in a team yellow card and scored a deserved try to take the lead 12-14. Trinity needed to take back control and strong close play from David Hoffman, Nic Van Selm and Charle GM enabled them to do so, Ewan Entwistle crossed for a well-worked try to finish the 1st half, Trinity leading 19-14.

In the huddle Trinity were celebrating finishing up on the scoreboard at halftime considering the conditions but knew Chipstesd would come out firing, Half-time time changes were made with Josh Bennett, Toby Plant, Andrew Stothard and Jack Porter entering the fray.

Trinity fell back into penalty mode with 3-4 consecutive penalties conceded which resulted in another team yellow card and Chipstead were able to apply pressure up the hill. Strong defence with Olly Hubbard making some heroic hits in midfield repelled the oppo attack and Trinity were able to up the tempo and make line breaks with Liam Sullivan and Aidan Sisk looking threatening in midfield. Aidan Serville scored a well worked try in the corner which was richly deserved. More changes for Trinity with CJ Maiden and Hayden Smith strengthening the pack.

Game Management was key and some intelligent kicks from Tom Sullivan and James Duffy enbalbed the home side to play at the right end of the field. Chipstead continued to push but couldn’t cross the line with their winger going close after a kick chase. Trinity scored their final try from Ewan Entwistle to finish the game 33-14 winners.

Overall a very impressive performance from Trinity who played with pace and attacked well particularly in the second half to keep Chipstead scoreless.
MoM went to Alfie Lamb who was chosen by the opposition for his close play and very impressive ball carries at the fringe. The whole squad played very well and the crowd were purring after seeing such an impressive display of rugby.

Trinity move to the next round of the competition with another game being lined up in Easter.

Try Scorers – Olly Hubbard, Aidan Sisk, Adrian Serville, Ross Sinclair, Ewan Entwistle
Cons – James Duffy x4

Squad – Alfie Lamb, Ross Sinclair, David Hoffman, Joe Conelly, Nic Van Selm, Charlie GM, Ben Valiant, Olly Hubbard, Ewan Entwistle, Tom Sullivan, Jeevan Saggu, Liam Sullivan, Aidan Sisk, Adrian Serville, James Duffy, Josh Bennett, Toby Plant, Haydn Smith, CJ Maiden, Jack Porter, Andrew Stothard

Match Report Mark Macaskill