CROWTHORNE RFC saw their hopes of a top-four finish in the BB&O Premier take a hit as they lost 10-5 in filthy conditions at Chesham on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

Alex Stewart’s men went into the contest in fine fettle having won five of their previous six games to climb to fifth in the table, although they had not played since their 18-8 victory at Abingdon three weeks previously.

With a rest week and Alchester’s forfeiture leaving Crowthorne a little short of match practice, and with the home side having overcome a difficult start to the season to find form of their own with three consecutive wins prior to Saturday, Crows knew they were in for a tougher assignment than the table may have suggested.

They began well, however, and opened the scoring when Jake Mollett crossed, only for Chesham to cut the gap with a penalty.

The game continued in some of the worst conditions imaginable – at one point Crowthorne tackled their own player with the two sides’ shirts caked in so much mud it was difficult to tell the difference between opponent and teammate.

However, the key moment of the contest came in the second half, when Chesham’s powerful pack earned a penalty try to move 10-5 up.

And despite their best efforts, Crowthorne were unable to hit back as they slipped to defeat.

Despite the defeat, assistant coach Dave Thorley believes his side – who were promoted after finishing as runners-up to Risborough last season – can secure a top-four berth.

And he is also hoping they can cause at least one more shock before the season finishes.

He said: “We have still got to play the top two (Gosford All Blacks and Milton Keynes) and we are targeting at least one scalp.

“It has been an excellent season but we want to continue to get better. The guys are led by (captain) Sam (Short) who is an unbelievable player and leader.

“They are a young group but a great bunch of lads who want to have fun and keep improving. Someone like (fly-half) Josh (Roberts) is only 17 but very talented and the experience of playing is great for him.

“Normally in a club you get one or two bad apples but there are none here and the future is very bright.”

He continued: “Next year will be tougher as the element of surprise will perhaps be taken away, but I believe we have the players to gain promotion either next year or the year after.”

The losing bonus point game takes Crowthorne to within two of fourth-placed Abingdon, although the Oxfordshire side have a game in hand – at home to lowly Hungerford this coming Saturday.

Crowthorne have a rest week and return to action against Chipping Norton – the side directly below them in the table – at The New Nest on Saturday, March 5.