Martin kick gives Chipstead late win

Surrey One

Croydon 14

Chipstead 15

DAN Martin clinched the tightest of victories with virtually the final kick as Chipstead came from 11-7 down at half-time to win at neighbours Croydon.

The result lifted Croydon to fourth and gave them confidence ahead of hosting runaway leaders Teddington on Saturday.

That game seems less important, however, than the fifth round of the National Junior Vase a week later at home to Uckfield.

Teddington, who beat Chips in that competition last season, are also still in the Vase.

Chipstead took the lead after 10 minutes at Croydon, Jordan Butt down right wing completing a classy move from the backs. He out-paced the defence to score under the posts and Martin converted.

Further pressure failed to break the defence on 20 minutes. Then on 30 minutes Jordan, gifted possession from a clearance kick, was stopped just short of the line.

Croydon kicked a penalty and a dropped goal to claw back to 7-6 down.

Chips took a quick re-start that went wrong and Croydon opened up the defence to score an unconverted try.

In the second half Croydon pressure was seen off by solid defence.

Chips' first attack of the half was rewarded with a penalty for holding on, Martin missing.

Half-way through, Chips scored an excellent try. Jim Ferris went right, then switched the ball to the left down the line to flanker Jon Shelbourne, who scored in corner for 12-11.

Croydon's discipline slipped, but Chipstead gave away a penalty 45 metres out and went 14-12 down.

Chipstead earned a penalty from a similar distance that was kicked wide.

A high tackle on the left wing when a try looked on saw Croydon's flanker yellow carded with 90 seconds to go, and Martin kicked the points for a narrow 15-14 victory.