After a weeks break in the fixtures, Old Caterhamians were back at home on Saturday the 23 rd of March when they welcomed Chipstead RFC to Park Avenue.

In the away fixture back in December last year, Cats were defeated 35-22 in what turned out to be a feisty encounter so they were hoping for a change in fortunes.

There was plenty to play for with Cats in third spot, just one point ahead of their local rivals in the Counties 2 Surrey League.

The game started with both sides looking to take control and it was Chipstead who went ahead early on when a penalty was awarded in their favour. The kick was successful and the visitors lead 0-3.

Undeterred Cats turned on the pressure and through some positive forwards play Matthew Wilson gained yardage with a powerful crash ball line and then went to ground. The ball was retrieved by scrum half Zach Uddoh who sold a dummy to one defender and passed to Seaghan Davey. The inside centre then evaded a couple of tackle attempts to score a well-worked try close to the corner flag.

The long-range conversion from Tom Clayton sailed over the sticks to give Cats a 7-3 lead.

Chipstead were determined to get back in the game but an error lead to Cats second try.

The ball was played out from the opposition ruck but a pass was misjudged and Alex Criscuolo was able to kick the ball forwards and at speed picked it up and ran on to score between the posts. The conversion was straight forward and Cats 14-9 lead remained until the break.

In the second half Chipstead took advantage of the wind and started put Cats defence to the test. In the reverse fixture Chipstead had dominated the lineouts and the scrum but the tables were gradually turned here at home as the Cats forwards got the upper hand.

Cats looked to increase their lead but overall the team were guilty on the penalty count.

Eventually the opposition had two chances to kick for the points and took both to shorten the lead to 14-9.

The last ten minutes of the match were a tense affair but Cats held on to that narrow lead to celebrate a satisfying victory, which was shared by the large gathering of home supporters.

Full Time Score: Old Caterhamians 14-9 Chipstead
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Following this latest outing Old Cats remain in 3 rd spot in the Counties 2 Surrey League table 4 points clear of 4 th placed Chipstead, with 1 game still to play. So with 3 rd place still in the balance it will certainly all go down to the wire.

After Easter, Old Cats are back at home on Saturday 6 April for their final match when they face Old Haileyburians who they beat on the first weekend of the season.

Both sides have an agenda – a win for Cats could cement their third place in the league where as the opposition are still in with a shout for the title.