30/10/2026
PREVIEW| CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY AT HOME FOR CHOBHAM
This weekend sees the end of the first gruelling block of six consecutive fixtures in Regional 2 South Central. Whilst it may not seem too much to ask of boys to play six games in a row, the reality is that Level 6 rugby is extremely competitive and demanding both physically and mentally for all involved. It is clear from team sheets across the league, perhaps other than for those clubs operating on a different resourcing model, that clubs are somewhat crawling into this last fixture before the break week. A welcome opportunity to rest weary bodies and recharge the minds awaits after this weekend's round of games.
Chobham's opponents this week are Old Tiffs who currently sit 6th in the table but with only one less win than Chobham. Their only losses have come against strong opposition in league leaders Wimborne and powerful Wi******er. Last season saw a Chobham squad at the height of its injury crisis soundly beaten away from home but in the reverse fixture come out on top 70-50 in surely one of the games of the season in any league! Old Tiffs are a club and side we have a lot of time for as they operate in a modest, grass roots fashion with a tight group of boys who are hugely committed to their teammates and their Club. On the field they are hugely combative but also a joy to watch, with some of their expansive rugby intoxicating at times. Chobham know that anything other than a fully committed and focused performance could lead to defeat.
Spirits are however high, with a league position of 3rd and a record of four bonus point wins from five games (four of which away) providing a sense of momentum and confidence, especially as the squad has never quite been at full strength and has never quite put together a complete performance. Scoring over 40 points and conceding so few points last time out against local rivals Guildford was certainly pleasing, given the atrocious conditions. This week's lineup sees a few more changes. Sam Davies edges ever closer to the 100-cap mark and starts at full back. Connor Smallbone is now a fixture on the wing and is joined by try scoring machine Rhys Tulk, back to full fitness after coming off the bench last week. Rob Voller and Olly Mantell are again in the centres, quietly building a very slick and robust partnership. At half back, skipper Guy Mawhood is at 9 and is partnered by Alex Seers, back after a long-term injury. To have a player with recent national league playing experience back in the fold at his boyhood club is a great story as well as a massive boost for the squad. Up front Dan Benton continues his one-man demolition derby at 8 and is joined in the back row by the ever reliable, energetic and abrasive duo of Harrison Jones and Lewis Bantleman. South African hard man Jared Rodgers returns from sickness to partner the engine room mainstay Jonny Boylett in the second row. The front row is again composed of the brutal trio of McCain, Bellion-Carey and Hargan. On the bench, new signing Ollie Parsons retains his spot after a promising debut last week, Chris Love-Baker offers serious wattage and Will Thompson is back in the mix looking to provide the silkiest of services at the base...
Head Coach Robbie Kennard commented, "A superb win for the 1st last time out in terrible conditions away at Guildford. It was a really mature and professional performance. Scoring 42 points in those conditions was impressive and, to be honest, it could have been more. We really controlled the game and got a deserved 5 points. The Cannons had another tough game with some good individual performances. This 6-week block has been gruelling and attritional for all clubs, and we are really proud of where we sit in the table. The final game of the block brings our friends Old Tiffinians to Fowlers Wells. Last year, the game was an absolute corker of attacking rugby, and I’m sure both teams will play with the same intent. We have been forced into a few changes with knocks and injuries, but we are in a good space and look forward to a great afternoon of rugby."
No game for the Cannons this week so all eyes are on Fowlers Wells. Forecast is delightful so all support welcome
Thanks to all our amazing sponsors old and new for their support, especially:-
Akuma Sports
Simmons Family Butchers
Trailfinders International
Owen Isherwood
Trevedra Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Electric Vintage
HMJ Carpentry
Lakeside Sauna Co
Timberline Partners
At Your Service Taxis
Follow the action live on the Chobham X (Twitter) feed and check out the Chobham Facebook and Instagram pages for the match report.
Jonathan Williamson
