The OWs were not over-awed in taking on London Three South-West leaders Chobham, writes Kevin Donovan.

They kept up a gritty showing for more than an hour but a sudden surge, in typical Chobham style, took the home side to a deserved victory. The final score, though, came when OWs successfully won a scrum and maul and slickly moved the ball out for Charlie Mowat to latch on to Al Horley's long pass on halfway and zip through a gap to the tryline.

The pitch and conditions were fine after a spell of wet weather and Chobham started into a gusting wind. Their stand-off put in an early burst up the touchline but OWs managed to claw their way back to settle in Chobham's half for a good while. After 15 minutes the strength of Chobham's forwards forced an offside and they took the lead with a straight penalty.

OWs maintained their threats without getting too close to scoring but on the half-hour were forced back when a kick deep into the box forced a lineout. The opposing pack then peeled off the back of a drive for the first try and soon produced a greater drive of 25 metres for another score just before halftime.

Chobham went further ahead after the restart when harassing some sloppy defensive work but OWs showed their competitiveness by responding with 5 or 6 minutes on Chobham's line without quite obtaining the final crack. Chobham increased their lead to 25 points when they gained possession and kicked well upfield to win the next lineout to run round a stretched OW defence. Both teams brought on their substitutes and OWs immediately attacked again in the same corner, only to experience some decisive blows from the home backs which nearly doubled the score.

A run into OWs' 22 soon opened up the centre defence for a clean try and from the kick-off Chobham threw the ball around to run in again, immediately catching the restart kick to seal their score with a third try, two of which were converted. After this pummelling OWs fully earned the final try but realise that Chobham's strength will most likely win them promotion before the season's end.