Chinnor face Hull for first match of 2020

CHINNOR RFC return to action this Saturday, Janury 5, with an away trip to Hull, and Director of Rugby, Matt Williams, is calling on Chinnor to start 2020 on the right foot when they face Hull Ionians at the weekend.

The Thame-based side return to National League One action in Yorkshire on Saturday (2pm) following the Christmas break. The players reported back for training on Monday and are raring to go for the second half of the season after their seven-match. unbeaten run was ended by Richmond in the final game of 2019.

It saw the side slip to sixth in the table, but they are only nine points behind the leaders and Williams is hoping to begin the new year with a victory.

He said: “We were pleased for the Christmas break – it came at the right time. It was obviously a disappointing result against Richmond, but after 16 games the boys needed a break and we’re looking forward to Hull away on Saturday.”

Chinnor will be boosted by the return of Ehize Ehizode (concussion) while Camilo Parilli-Ocampo (torn bicep) is in contention for his debut, but Chris Elder (ankle) is still injured. Williams added: “The boys are fresh, they’re feeling good and enjoyed their first training session back on Monday. It was just a blow out to get the Christmas turkey out of their legs and we were back to it again on Thursday evening.”

Saturday’s fixture goes ahead despite the death of Hull player, Billy Hardy, at the age of just 27, on December 28th. The thoughts of everyone at Chinnor Rugby Club Thame are with Billy’s friends and family at this difficult time,” said Williams. All of us at Chinnor send our condolences to Hull. It’s always a tough time when you lose someone within a club.”

SATURDAY’S SQUAD
Chinnor (v Hull Ionians, away): from Ashby, Ehizode, Fidler, George, Goss, Harries, Hodson, Kirwan, Laverick, May, McNulty, Parilli-Ocampo, Pieterse, Rees, C Ryan, W Ryan, Selway, Thomas, Treviranus, Tyas.