CS faced the battle of the top two without two key figures from the previous matches – lock Alex Davidson and full back James Houstoun, as well as two or three others whose injuries have meant that they have yet to start this season, and really could not afford to also lose fly half Tom Hodgson who required stitches to a nasty gash on his forehead following a first half clash of heads. Hodgson was replaced by debutant Andy Hall who scored CS’s only try of the match.
Although the visitors made an early assault on the CS line it came to nothing despite a penalty that was missed. CS then had their own opportunity after several mini drives when a very purposeful driving maul was halted by a number of Chichester trickles. However CS were awarded a penalty which Hodgson kicked for a 3 – 0 lead. It was not long before Hodgson was injured and replaced by Andy Hall, and Chichester converted a drop goal to level the scores. Whilst defending CS turned over possession and when faced with several Chichester attackers chose the kick ahead which new fly half Andy Hall collected and scored under the posts. He converted his try to give CS the lead 10 – 3, which by half time became 10 – 8 after an unconverted try from Chichester.
The large Chichester forwards were wearing down CS and scored their second try to take the lead and with five minutes to go, from a scrum, again scored to finish 10 – 20 with no points for CS despite a valiant effort. Next week CS are away to Maidstone.
The CS second team also lost in a high scoring game away to Richmond 46 – 34.