by Phil Howell

CHINGFORD Under 14s have just completed a most enjoyable and successful end of season tour to West Sussex.

Bognor RFC hosted a triangular tournament played over two days, and with local clubs Shoreham RFC and Burgess Hill RFC entering a combined team, the Chingford lads were faced with just the sort of challenge coaches Dan Phillips and Phil Howell had been preparing them for.

Chingford kicked off the tournament against Shoreham/Burgess Hill and in perfect playing conditions were quickly into their stride.

Aggressive tackling backed up with excellent rucking and mauling at the breakdowns allowed Chingford to dominate territory and possession against their bigger opponents.

Skipper Tom Mapp demanded and got 100% commitment from his forwards and the tries followed. Despite conceding two tries Chingford hit back with six of their own.

Two apiece for Taylor Cox and Tom Lowry, followed by one each for Jack Griffiths and Max Hayman. Harry Mullett-Howell slotted two conversions and Chingford were on their way with a 34-10 victory.

Chingford's small squad of seventeen had only a short rest before facing hosts Bognor, and the size of the challenge was immediately evident when a long kick and chase resulted in the Chingford defence being outpaced and a try for Bognor.

Despite this set back Chingford, rallying once more around an excellent forward effort began to get their driving game going, and confidence grew.

Despite conceding another try Chingford continued to run hard at the opposition, and Max Hayman scored a try that gave his tired teammates a huge boost.

A converted try to Bognor gave them a 17-5 lead, but when Tosan Edrmes finished off an excellent passage of play Chingford were right back in it at 17-10.

Alas the final whistle went and a relieved but tired Bognor then faced Shoreham/Burgess in the day's final game. Chingford winger Lewis Smith, who had been superb all day, offered his services to the Shoreham team who had lost some players to injury, and his late try securing a draw and denying Bognor victory, set up day two perfectly.

Bognor turned up on day two with a much bigger squad, and in their opening game, displayed slick passing and excellent support play to comprehensively beat Shoreham/Burgess Hill.

Chingford then played Shoreham/ Burgess Hill and immediately gifted them an interception try.

Chingford looked tired and struggled to get any pattern to their play, but skipper Mapp got his forwards going and finished off a fine drive with a try.

Taylor Cox at wing forward was having an immense game and his outstanding solo try gave his team not just the lead but also more importantly self-belief.

Albie Phillips added a try and a penalty to give Chingford a 20-12 victory. The final game was a "winner takes all" affair between Chingford and hosts Bognor, and what a game it was.

Bognor were instantly on the attack but despite brave tackling throughout the team, Chingford could not prevent a try being scored.

Yet again they found the inspiration to fight back and by now everyone was giving his all. Forwards Billy Martin, Jack Dearman, Luke Hammond and Michael Bond were winning ball all over the pitch.

Dan Barton was providing the link at scrum half and when Max Hayman went over for a try and Albie Phillips slotted a penalty, Chingford were 8-5 up. Minutes later, a cruel bounce of the ball gifted Bognor a try, and it was they who led 10-8.

Despite a heroic effort by Chingford they were unable to get the winning score their effort deserved, but after two days of competitive rugby there was much for the players, coaches and parents to be proud of.