Hertfordshire Stags 22 Chiltern Cheetahs 8
Chiltern Cheetahs entertained Hertfordshire Stags in the most appalling weather conditions at Amersham Rugby Club. Chiltern were hoping to consolidate their play off hopes with a victory, whilst Hertfordshire were playing for pride.
Hertfordshire opened brightly taking the ball from the kick off and driving the ball down field, where Chilterns defence stiffened inside the �red zone� forcing Herts to attempt a 30-yard Field Goal, which was slotted home by Mark Spittle.
As the weather deteriorated, only excellent work by the BAFRA official's enabled the game to continue. Both teams suffered in the slippery conditions. Both defences remained on top, with Herts QB Nick Tilbury, throwing an interception, which ended a promising Herts Drive. Tilbury would later redeem himself, by running in the first Touch Down, on a 25-yard run. Chilterns Kris Stephens blocked Spittle's extra point. Herts were quickly back in the end zone as QB Rob Suttling fumbled the snap and Herts John Melrose, picked up the loose ball and made 12 yards before being hauled down. American Chris Rhodes took the ball over from 3 yards and Spittle converted the extra point.
Chiltern hit back immediately following a good drive and a number of Herts penalties led to Andy Cochrane running in from 2 yards. Cochrane had previously scored 3 times in the earlier fixture. Rob Suttling found Stewart May in the end zone for the 2 point conversion.
As the weather got worse, both teams struggled after the break. Herts kept shooting themselves in the foot, with 18 penalties on the day losing 133 yards. Chiltern lost Cochrane and Phillippe Willame to a leg injuries and although depleted, kept trying to catch up with the scoreboard.
In the fourth quarter Herts made the game safe when Tilbury ran in from 3 yards to complete the scoring. Spittle's extra point was blocked.
Chiltern threw everything into offence, however, QB Suttling was picked off 3 times, by Stags Tilbury, Cutts, playing his last game before retirement and Ashman, which effectively sealed the game.