Late try sees Shelford defeated at Chichester

Shelford suffer late blow

Shelford's frustrating start to the National League Three London & SE season continued as they were beaten 26-25 at Chichester.

They began the game well, and took the lead in the seventh minute through a first try for the club from Hrbek after a flowing move involving backs and forwards. Hrbek converted the try.

Skipper Richie McIver and hooker Rob Gardner were putting in big ball-carrying displays, but Shelford could not add to their tally and Chichester took advantage through to touch down by the posts.

And when Shelford turned the ball over in the Chichester 22, the hosts broke 80 yards to go 12-7 ahead.

But McIver bundled over before half time to reduce Shelford's deficit to 14-12 at half time.

Chichester furthered their lead at the start of the second half with a converted try. Shelford then got on top to dominate long periods of the game but were finding it difficult to add to their score.

The pressure eventually told as two Hrbek penalties and a try from Warrick Anderson, which was also converted by Hrbek, saw the visitors go 25-21 in front with minutes to go.

But a mix-up at the base of a scrum allowed Chichester a rare attacking opportunity which they seized to get the winning try

There was further disappointment for Shelford as Chingai Chiwanga suffered a serious shoulder injury to join fly-half Rhodri Dawes, former captain Redmond Newberry and player-coach Will Lawson on the sidelines.

But there were encouraging debuts for Mike Gillick and Dave Hill, and Shelford should be able to welcome back Gerhard Wessels, Junior Koresi and Chris Cutts for this weekend's visit of unbeaten Guernsey, kick off 2pm.