Chinnor are in the play-offs!

CHINNOR RFC travelled to fourth placed Taunton knowing that one point would secure a coveted playoff place for promotion to National league One.

The visitors took control of the game from the first whistle with some excellent handling and support play which played dividends. Phil Chesters found himself in space on five minutes and raced away to score under the posts which Jonny Bentley converted. Indeed Jonny Bentley was imperious with the boot converting very Chinnor try of the afternoon.

The sustained pressure continued and paid dividends by the Chinnor’s impressive forwards Jack Ramshaw and Jack Gilding both powering over for tries in quick succession giving Chinnor a 0-21 lead with only 15 minutes on the clock. Taunton then had a short period of possession and Struminski scampered over the line for Taunton’s first score of the afternoon. This invoked an immediate response with Chinnor putting multiple phases of play together from the restart and Orisi Nawaqaliva broke numerous tackles before scoring the vital try that ensured Chinnor’s playoff place. Phil Chesters added a further try on 32 mins giving Chinnor a 5-35 lead. This was reduced by a mixture of individual excellence from Taunton players and the vistors having one eye on the half time break. A costly final five minutes of the half saw Taunton peg Chinnor back to 19-35.

First score of the second half was key to the outcome of the game and on 42 minute with Chinnor again applying pressure on the Titans line Will Bordill charged down a clearance kick and collected the loose ball to extend Chinnor’s lead. This was just reward for Bordill who was instrumental in virtually all Chinnor’s good work winning numerous turnover balls all afternoon. Josh Barton then capped an assured performance at Scrum Half with try No 7.  This was followed by a point of controversy when a speculative kick and chase by Taunton was fly-hacked on to the touchline and bounced in favour of the home side for Claydon to score. After much discussion by the officials the try was allowed to stand.

Chinnor still remained clearly in control of the game and Phil Chesters completed his Hat-trick on 65 minutes. In customary fashion Chinnor eased off in the closing stages with the game comfortably in the bag and allowed Taunton to run in another two tries in the final 5 minutes to leave the final score 43- 56.

Chinnor played some superb rugby and scored a number of scintillating tries With Taunton refusing to lie down it was an excellent afternoon of rugby. The resulting 5 league points from the game means the club are guaranteed their highest ever league position and a place in the National Two playoffs for first time in Chinnor’s history.

An elated Matt Williams (DoR) said “That’s first job done. Now we need another six points to secure a home playoff and then win it!  Let’s get the town out in force to support their club at this exciting but vital moment. Thanks to everyone for their support thus far!”

Man of the Match – Will Bordill- An immense performance!

SOURCE – Contributed