Chiswick 20 Harpenden 11

The first maul in the match, by Harpenden, was impressive. The ball eventually came out and was kicked hopefully downfield. Putting it within Joe Grindle’s range was a big mistake, however, as the Chiswick full back chipped over the rush of players in black and white, caught it after a lucky bounce and sent wing Rory McLaughlin off towards the line. He powered through a tackle and touched down. Simon Hallett’s kick was pulled just left. One minute gone, and a warm glow crept over the home supporters.

Hammersmith and Fulham 13 – Chiswick 67

What is usually a close encounter turned into an autumnal frolic in the sun with an almost flawless Chiswick sweeping the nervy home team aside. After the setback against Staines, the return of the dynamic sextet of Jon Gibson, Jon Joyce, Rikki Darroch, Joe Grindle, Luca Vannini and James Dribble transformed Chiswick into a promotion-chasing team again, although it was the scrum, where the front row were outstanding, which established the early dominance which was then maintained throughout the game.

Chiswick 21 Staines 29

Re-structuring your back division for the second match of the season is not ideal, but gifting a generous number of mistakes as well proved costly for a very disappointed Chiswick team who failed to repeat their Middlesex Cup success against the demoted Staines.

Tabard 17 Chiswick 22

Chiswick started the season’s first League match brightly, with Jon Joyce first to Simon Hallett’s kick-off. After a minute, the first penalty of the game provided Hallett with a reasonable chance of three points. The length was good, but the ball was pushed right. The early play was unambitious, with both sides tackling well and the scrums and lineouts fairly even, although Tabard looked a little more settled in their routines.

Chiswick 22 Westcliff “A” 17

A well-chosen friendly makes a lot of sense. Both teams tried hard and, despite a few puffs and pants early on, sustained attacking intents throughout the eighty minutes. One white-haired observer thought Westcliffs’ passing superior, ( their first team are, after all, in National 3 two levels up on Chiswick ) others that Chiswick’s defence near their line was outstanding. Players such as the Westcliff hooker and the exciting Chiswick full-back Joe Grindle stood out, but there were very few real weaknesses on either side.