JRR Tolkien famously wrote, “The world is changing, you can feel it in the earth and the wind” - well the earth and wind felt a big change as a rejuvenated Chiswick IIs took to the field against top of the league London New Zealand on Saturday.
Over looking some suspicious negotiations that allows London NZ an entire back line of substitutions, the might Chiswick boys got down and dirty and showed their intent from the first whistle.
Roving back row and entrepreneur, Adam Jacob, took a steal from the kickoff (and a shoulder to the spine for his troubles) and Chiswick mounted an early attack which ended when the referee elected to call for a forward pass with Chiswick on the front foot.
The rest of the first half became somewhat of a dogfight between two dynamic packs and slick sets of backs. Stand out defensive shifts from Captain Dai Bevan & stand in flanker turned winger Andy Dalton quelled the tepid waves of Kiwi attack before a series of frankly filthy snipes from Ben at nine and some hard carries from the Chiswick pack once more had the Kiwis camped in their 22 - not sure how to deal with such a vicious assault.
Sadly, much like Davy Crockett at the Alamo, Chiswick won all the battles but lost the war when the Kiwis crossed for a late converted try in the first half.
After some inspirational words and home truths, Chiswick again started the second half well and following a series of pressure induced penalties they saw flyhalf and club legend, Oliver Snook, slot the teams first points of the game with a well taken penalty.
The London Kiwis then finally decided to show up and put together an impressive wave of attack with some standout, defending from outside centre Letch, and second team debutant Ben. a further shout out, deserve to be given to Matt Rees who overcame a pregame injury and put body and soul on the line.
Sadly - the Damn eventually broke and the (by now) arrogant London Kiwis bagged two tries giving them a cushion at 19-3 up.
Chiswick needed a moment of Magic, and they got it through flyhalf Snook who put through a pinpoint Crossfield kick that could’ve landed on a 5p piece into the hands of outstanding fullback, Karl Hartigan, who with as much confidence as Steven Tyler in 1983 gathered the ball and touched down for an excellent score.
The Chiswick boys were elated, and the kiwis were as withdrawn as Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting – however, there was more development to this plot when the referee consulted BA pilot and all round nice guy Big Scotty who opined the ball was in touch and the Kiwis breathed a sigh of relief.
Chiswick however, had a bit between their teeth and a few phases following a brilliant break from the inform Hartigan led to Bevan, making a sniping break in the 22 before unselfishly, releasing his partner Letch to score in the corner. The Kiwis were rattled, and with it, being a nine point game, Chiswick knew an upset could be on the cards.
For the remaining five minutes Chiswick through the kitchen sink at the London Kiwis, but the difference of them having eight substitutes and us having one showed, and a fatigued group of Chiswick two saw the kiwis grab try in the last minute against the run of play.
Despite the 24-10 loss, Chiswick definitely won the hearts of the fans in attendance with some renegade Rugby, and an attitude that made everybody proud.
After a few heavy defeats in the league, I think Chiswick IIs has finally arrived and ready to give anybody a bloody good game this season.

George Keefe