29th April 2001 - OXFORD SAINTS 34 CHILTERN CHEETAHS 27  ( H/T  14-13 ) The Cheetahs kicked off their 2001 season away to the Oxford Saints. The Saints, who are being tipped as one of the favourites for the Div. 2 Title were given a stern test by both Chilterns Offence & Defence. First possession of the game went to Oxford who moved the ball with ease against a cold Chiltern defence & scored with a 3yd Brian Myers run, the extra point attempt by Steve Belcher was good, Just, with the ball hitting both uprights before falling over. The teams then exchanged possessions before Chiltern got into the groove with a scoring drive of their own, when, Kris Stephens caught a 6yd pass from Rob Suttling, Mark Spittle made the extra point & the game was tied. The remainder of the first half continued in much the same way until Oxford broke the deadlock with a Brian Myers 6yd scoring run, Steve Belcher made the extra point. With 14 seconds left in the first half Kris Stephens bagged his 2nd T.D. with a 1yd plunge, the 2pt attempt was no good. (H/T 14-13) The second half was much the same as the first, with both teams exchanging possession, until Wayne Mayers scrambled for 8yds to paydirt & Steve Belcher made the extra point. The Cheetahs replied immediately with a scoring drive of their own, when Rob Suttling found Brendan Peek with a 30yd pass, the 2pt conversion attempt was good when Suttling passed to Kris Stephens to tie the game once again (21-21). But with the last play of the 3rd quarter, Oxford took the lead once again on Steve Belcher 43 yard fake punt attempt, but his kick was wide left, (27-21). With all to play for in the final quarter, Oxford scored on Brian Myers 2 yard run, his third of day, Belcher kick make the score 34 - 21. Chiltern gave their all and with the clock running down Kris Stephens also completed his hatrick of touchdowns with a 3 yard run with Spittle's kick wide right and with under 2 minutes of play remaining Oxford run out the clock making the final score 34 - 27. Chiltern now have 4 weeks to prepare for their next game which is at home to Plymouth Admirals on Sunday 27 May 2001 at Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club, Kick off 2.30pm. Chiltern are also planning a grand reunion dinner in this, their 15th season. Anyone who has been connected with the club in any way are being invited to contact Richard Barnes on 01494 727933 or chilterncheetahs@aol.com