Outstanding Tottonians Rugby Club effort rewarded in rain

TOTTONIANS overcame driving rain and a biting wind to beat Chichester and bring Christmas cheer to their very wet, cold and hardy Water Lane supporters.

Totts played with the wind behind them in the first half. Chichester came out of the blocks fast and went over for a try after just two minutes.

Totts had most of the bulk of the territory thereafter and after 25 minutes Mike Searle made a burst through the midfield off cousin Robbie Searle’s delayed pass. Ben Dolbear was in support and almost made the line. Robbie Searle picked up from the ruck and fought his way over for his own converted try, 7-5.

Totts were in the ascendency in the scrum and a huge shove was wheeled by Chichester in their own ten metre line. R. Searle slotted the penalty and then kicked a second-long range penalty for a 13-5 Totts half time lead.

After the break, Totts bounded out of the traps and after a series of pick and go Ali Ramus went over from short range. R. Searle converted, and it was 20-5 with two minutes of the second half gone.

Chichester came back at Totts from the restart, but good defence held them at bay. Good inter passing then culminated in Robbie Searle touching down for his second try to make it 25-5.

With twenty minutes remaining a Chichester player was yellow carded for dissent. Totts proceeded upfield but threw an intercepted pass on the half way line for visitors Chichester to sprint in for a converted try 25-12.

Totts then took control and Gavin Hart made a good carry to get Totts deep into Chichester’s 22 and was then on hand to collect and score Totts’ bonus point try, 30-12.

With two minutes remaining Totts were awarded a penalty and opted for a scrum. Harry Dolbear passed down the blind side to brother Ben who stepped inside the last defender to score Totts fifth try, R. Searle converted.

From the restart Totts fielded the ball and R. Searle launched a long raking kick forward. Josh Andrew’s excellent chase was rewarded when he picked up the ball on the bounce and powered through the remaining defence to score in the corner to seal a 42-12 Totts victory.

A very rewarding day for Totts whose effort and commitment in terrible conditions was outstanding.

Totts: C. Flint. N. Burns, T. Gregory, A. Ramus, D. Williams, G. Hart, M. Wisnewski, J. Owsley, R. Searle, R. Buck, M. Searle, B. van Herwijnen, J. Andrews, B. Dolbear, A. Herriot. Reps: T. Bayford, L. Wilson, H. Dolbear.