Chiefs Upset Oaks In The Cup

The Saturday after the infamous 'Black-Eye Friday' gave a slightly worse for wear coach Dave Sansom further headache due to mass unavailability. That said, the core of the side were there, with welcome additions.

Despite torrential conditions leading up to the game, the Bickleigh Down pitch was in great condition. Heavily played on aread were a bit muddy underfoot, but on the whole a good surface to play on.

The wind was again a big factor and Plymstock chose to take it along with the slope in the first half.

The significantly larger Oaks' pack took the upper hand from the first scrum, pushing the re-jigged Chiefs' scrum backward. Somewhat of a reality ccheckin what is becoming a strong point.

Argaum would've liked to take Plymstock on in the backs, but a combination of scrappy ball and Oaks' insistance to play a forwards game, kicking for territory and keeping it tight.

At half time, with the score at 0-3 to the visitors, Argaum were in positive mood. Mason Edwards, in his maiden game at 8 was extremely tidy at the back of an ever struggling scrum, thanks to Karl Sullivan's hooking and support from Luke Kenny at 9.

The second half duely saw the wind change direction, reducing it's advantage, but Argaum continued to suck up the pressure and with tenacious defence, won two penalties for Tom Richards to put the Chiefs in the lead.

Midway through the half, Oaks scored a very well worked try. From the lineout into the backs for their centre to swallow dive under the posts.

Steely resolve and an insistance to try and run the ball out wide saw the home side gradually play themselves back in the game. Two good chances were well defended by Plymstock.

Ferocious scrummaging from loose head Nick Hancock settled the restart and strong running from Jamie Burton in the centres saw a change in tide.

The discipline that captain Luke Kenny invokes invokes in his players is starting to show and with that, the final play saw a steady scrum won 5 meters out, with Kenny himself handing off the defence, then stretched out to score the required try to win the game. Richards slotted the extras.

Added thanks to the subs Ryan Phillips and Rob Taylor who answered Samsom's SOS and the good support on the touchline.

The semi-final will be at home, on 1st February against the winners of DHSOB and Ilfracombe.

For more pictures, Click Here