CHOBHAM VETS 17 WEYBRIDGE OWLS 17

In normal circumstances this game would probably have been called off, but both teams were determined to go ahead, despite the snow and icy conditions, and play this memorial match as a tribute to long serving member of both clubs, Sean Matthew, who recently passed away. As well as being a rugged front row forward, who graced the 1st XV, first for Vandals and later for Chobham for a number of years, what stood out for Sean was his commitment and loyalty, and these attributes were fully recognised by sets of players and a large set of spectators. While it was competitive game, perhaps the result was what Sean would have wanted, and certainly both sides and their supporters were content with honours even.

It was a message of Sean’s popularity that so many so many players wanted to take part, even if only short periods. Vandals Welsh president was one of those players, and Gareth Owen’s Cameo with a quick, quick, slow side step rolled back the years. Scrum half John Clark and fly half Luca Trevillone were influential early on, and it was John Clark who got the first try following a break by the latter. John Clark then repaid the compliment for his fly half with a well judged kick, which Luca Trevillone fastened onto score. Chobham responded with an attack from deep and scoring an excellent try which they converted, Vandals then won another turn over, which Luca Trevillone exploited with a great run taking him past several defenders, before off loading to John Morse who sped away for the try which Clark converted. Chobham rallied and after being denied a score for obstruction, they drove over from an attacking lineout to take the score to 12-17.

The second half saw an early Chobham ascendancy and they were soon on level terms, breaching vandals defence from a scrum. The remainder of the game was evenly matched with both sides in the last few minutes thinking they had snatched the win, but on both occasions an eagle eyed referee had spotted an infringement. This ended a fine game and a memorable occasion for a well- liked and respected individual.

Written by John Farrow