Sundays game at Southend saw the Cheetahs record their first opening game of the season win since 1997 and the first time their have shut out the Sabres. The Sabres won the toss and received the ball but could not gain the first down and punted, but soon had the ball back with Luke Foster fumbling on Chilterns first play. Neither side offence where able to convert first down and late on in the first quarter Chilterns Ally Reid returned a Sabres punt 65 yards for the opening score, which also was his first senior touchdown. The failed extra point attempt gave Chiltern a 6 point lead

 

In the second quarter Chiltern gained defence record two further fumble recoveries, both by Jamie Brown to add to the two from the first quarter, and the offence started to move the ball with Deniz Karagulle connecting with Adrian Stemp to set up a first and goal on the one yard line, with Andy Crowther running in for the score, again the extra point failed (0 - 12).

 

The second half carried on the same as the first with strong defensive plays by both teams but no turnovers this time, with the Sabres going to their passing game and completing a couple of passes before Chiltern’s defence got to Sabres QB James Dawson and sacking him 4 times. Again it was the Cheetahs special teams to provide the next score, with Andy Crowther returning a punt 48 yards to score his second touchdown of the game (0- 18).  This was the first time in the Cheetahs history, two scores coming from punt returns, with the only other punt returned for a Touchdown back in 2000 again in Southend. Chiltern offence moved the ball into the scoring zone again late on with solid runs from Andy Crowther, Luke Foster and Spencer Whybrow, but where unable to score as time expired.

 

Chiltern's next game is on 16th May, when they host the Sabres with a 2.30 Kick-off.