Chichester put in a defensive shift at Tottonians

Blues made nine changes to the team that lost at Petersfield. Liam Barker, Josh Carden and Tyrese Makasi came into the forwards, with Oscar Delacy (making his 1st XV debut), Jamie Kinninmont, Jack Knight and Tom Blewitt in the backs and Rory Gordon and Rhys Thompson on the bench.

Tottonians’ ground staff had done sterling work to ensure the pitch hadn’t frozen overnight, with the going good to soft by kick-off. Tottonians started the match on a drab, chilly afternoon.

Chichester were immediately on the defensive in their red zone but a great steal at the breakdown relieved the pressure and an infringement gave Blues a lineout on halfway. Liam Barker secured the ball and burst through, making 20 metres before being stopped.

The next 20 minutes were played almost exclusively in the Tottonians’ half with Chichester pressing their opponents into mistakes and penalties but unable to capitalise. Finally, Tottonians, crossed the halfway line and Blues lost a player to the sin bin for an infringement in the red zone within kicking distance – 3-0.

Despite being a man down, Chichester again took the game to Tottonians moving the ball across the pitch and back.

A long looping pass from Tom Blewitt looked as though it would reach Luca Fleming, who had Joel Andrews in support, but scrambled defence stopped the attack and play returned to the centre for an infringement in front of the posts. The kick was slotted by Rory Minton, making it 3-3 after 26 minutes.

Tottonians got within touching distance of the Chichester try line three times but a combination of great Blues’ defensive work, ill discipline and poor decision making saw them repelled on each occasion.

Chichester kicked off the second half, recovered the ball and were awarded a penalty setting up a lineout on 5m. Zac Conley secured the ball which was spun out along the backs but after several phases Tottonians stole the ball with some ferocious counter rucking and headed up the pitch, aided by three quick Blues’ infringements.

Tottonians’ forwards were thwarted three times on the try line by a determined Chichester defence. The hosts regrouped but once again failed to cross the whitewash, having knocked on and given away a penalty.

Chichester were immediately back under pressure and finally the ball crossed the try line but was held up. Tottonians were penalised for disagreeing and Blues cleared their lines.

However, relief was short-lived and an attacking lineout on the 5m line saw the Tottonians No8 break off the back of the maul and score in the corner. Conversion missed, 8-3 after 57 minutes.

Tottonians scored in the corner again seven minutes later, converted, 15-3.

With the opposition having promotion aspirations they wanted more for a bonus point. However, poor handling and more great defensive work from Blues saw the game stagnate in the midfield.

Jack Knight intercepted the ball and took off up the pitch, putting in a kick before he was hunted down by Tottonians’ backs.

Chichester looked the more likely to score late on and Tottonians had a player sin binned but it was too late for Blues to take advantage.

MoM: Liam Barker.

Chichester: Carden, Barker, G. Knight, Conley, Whitehouse, Binfield, Makasi, Tabua, Delacy, Kinninmont, Andrews, J. Knight, Blewitt, Fleming, Minton, Heriot, Gordon and Thompson.

Chichester host Wimborne on Saturday (2pm).