CROWTHORNE RFC picked up a second straight victory as they overcame Chesham 8-3 on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon.

On a day when both coaches elected to keep their traditional running rugby style firmly in their back pockets, an attritional game ensued that saw little in attacking flair.

However, the art of ball retention was well executed by both sides and during the early exchanges it was the Crows that won the territorial battle, encamped in the Chesham half almost constantly throughout the first half.

Their reward came through outside centre and this season’s points machine, Dougie Charman.

A high kick hoisted from midfield by fly-half James Bailey put the Chesham full back under pressure in the wet conditions and, after the ball was spilt, Charman was on hand to aim a grubber over the try line before diving on the ball for what would prove to be the all important score.

He duly missed the conversion attempt but shortly after he was able to make amends as the Chesham defence was adjudged off side, Charman stepping up in the poor kicking conditions to grab the three points and put the home side 8-0 up at the break.

A dour second half saw each team struggle to impose themselves as the torrid weather conditions deteriorated even further.

Chesham forced a penalty with 10 minutes remaining to bring themselves to within a score, but the young and brave Crowthorne outfit managed to retain the ball in the closing minutes to grab a second win of the season and climb to sixth place in the BB&O Premier.

Man-of-the- match was awarded to Charman for his outstanding display with ball in hand, from the boot and in defence.

Crowthorne make the long trip to Chipping Norton this Saturday (2.15pm) as they aim to secure a third consecutive victory.