CHINGFORD came so close to claiming the scalp of higher league opponents at the weekend, but were denied at the death by laser guided Portsmouth kicking.

Phil Howell’s were in action in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup, and had to overcome coastal opponents who play in the London 1 League to be two games away from a dream final at Twickenham.

Chingford went into the game with a patch-work team, without a recognised goal kicker within the side.

The size of the home side dwarfed the Chingford pack, but size does not mean everything when it comes to rugby, and the visitors competed admirably and by the end of the game the Chingford pack looked the more composed and fitter of the two sides.

Chingford once again fielded three props in the front-row to combat Val Chirita the Romanian International who was up against Steve Piper, but after yet another tackle from the aggressive Chingford back-row he eventually had to leave the field.

Matt Hastings fought for every ball, and tackled like a demon. Declan Bird enjoyed one of his best games for Chingford, but he was unlucky to penalised on a couple of occasions, although his work rate was extraordinary.

After Portsmouth's first 15 minute spell when Chingford did not touch the ball suddenly Chingford found themselves with ball in hand, and if it was not for the final pass a definite try would have been scored.

John Paine kicked Chingford ahead with his first three points for Chingford.

Portsmouth replied in kind for the scoreboard to read 3-3 at half-time.

On one of the rare opportunities Portsmouth found themselves in Chingford territory they managed to convert another penalty. John Paine equalised with another well struck penalty.

With 10 minutes left all was to play for, and for those final minutes it was the team from Chingford who were camped in the Portsmouth 22, Once again both sides had penalty chances and once again both sides managed to miss, before with only three minutes left on the clock, Portsmouth wheeled on a substitute who managed to dissect the posts with his first penalty chance that took the hosts into the lead.