Depleted Chiefs Outshine Riversiders

With 4 players put in the bin, you would think that this was an ill-disciplined performance from the Chiefs. On the contrary, the discipline both the players and supporters showed in the face of adversity should be commended.

The first tackle of the game saw an early break for the returning Ciaran Bennett. Despite being a man down, Argaum went ahead after Centre Paul Ansell charged a kick down just inside the Chiefs' half and raced 50 yards to touchdown. Soon after, some slick hands in the backs ended with the sharpest of finishes by Canadian Ieuan Evans.

Quick thinking by MotM Luke Kenny saw a tap penalty, a break from Dan James culminating in a offload for Kenny to score Argaum's third of the afternoon.

The decisions were consistently going against the Chiefs and it seemed the referee's interpretation of what was allowed at the breakdown was certainly very different to all those watching (from both sides).

By half time, Argaum were reduced to 13 after captain Karl Sullivan was binned. No explanation was given but afterwards it was suggested it might have been a case of mistaken identity. He was joined in the bin by Adam Fitzgerald for another innocuous offence.

it was clear by half time that we couldn't compete at the breakdown and we should soak up any pressure, and send the ball wide at every opportunity. Which proved fruitful with another four second half tries.

Another player in the bin, but tries came from Tom Richards, a second from Kenny and Evans bagged another two to complete his hat trick.

It should be reiterated that this wasn't a dirty game and the verbal discipline showed by the team and coaches should be acknowledged. It just seemed that everything that could be penalised with a penalty, came with a card. Still, Argaum kept their cool and adapted to close out the game. Valuable lessons learnt today.

Next Saturday sees a Double header at Bickleigh Down. Chiefs play OPM2 in the Lockie Cup whilst the Wanderers tackle OPM3 (The Nomads) in a friendly.