Streatham-Croydon 39 bt Chipstead 7

Despite a slow start, Streatham-Croydon extended their unbeaten run to seven games with an impressive 39-7 victory over Chipstead on Saturday.

After failing to assert any dominance in the opening period, a series of conceded penalties and free kicks saw Chipstead placed deep in Streatham's half.

With the midfield defence yet to come to terms with the pace of the game, the Chipstead centre burst through for the first try of the game.

But the home side regrouped and their forward play started to improve with the back row arriving first to the breakdown.

Eventually Streatham's rucking game began to hammer holes in the Chipstead defence and after winger Gavin Calloo had gone close to scoring with a darting run, fullback Spike Williams picked up brilliantly and went over for Streatham's first try.

Then immediately from the kick-off, Calloo outpaced his opposite number and touched down to give Streatham the lead.

The handling of the backline combination of Will Manns and Dean Taylor belied the wet and muddy conditions and with half-time approaching, it was these two who unleashed Leigh Ford-Hunt for a spectacular dash down his wing to post Streatham's third try and give the home team some breathing space.

With the Chipstead pack tiring in the second half and numerical advantage at both the ruck and maul, Streatham's forwards provided a solid foundation to release numerous phases of play and stretch the faltering Chipstead defence.

At the front of the lineout, back-row forward Mark Carroll had an excellent day, securing Streatham possession and regularly stealing Chipstead ball, whilst second-rower Chris McCarthy proved formidable at restarts, tearing through the Chipstead defence.

Further tries from Will Manns, Mark Carroll and Colin Lynch provided the points which Streatham hope will prove invaluable in their push for promotion from Surrey Division 2.

December 5, 2001 14:00