23/04/13…Chinnor ‘Seconds’ retain cup with clean sweep season

A thrilling Cup victory crowned Chinnor RFU Seconds’ annus mirabilis on Saturday, ending their unbeaten season’s run by overcoming OURFC Greyhounds 27-9.

The Club’s Honorary Secretary, Carol Bradbrook-Taylor, was obviously delighted, saing: “What a result for the Chinnor Seconds! We asked for 25 out of 25 and you did us proud. The club salutes each and every one of you.

“In total the boys scored 1013 points with only 319 against – what an outstanding record!”

MATCH REPORT

Oxfordshire Final’s day finally arrived and Chinnor seconds arrived at Iffley Road for their game against Oxford University Greyhounds, who last competed for this cup in 1979. Greyhounds have had a good season to date, and were sporting a number of blues in the side with Chinnor?s acceptance. The pressure was on!

Chinnor seconds had been unbeaten in the 24 games they had played so far this season, and were determined to win to keep and produce a clean sheet. There wasn?t much more that could really have them fired up for this one, until you add the indomitable team spirit that has become such a trade mark for the seconds. It had to be worth 10 points in any game.

Chinnor had the dream start with Trevor (The General) Powell going over for a try, converted by Sam Angel within two minutes, exactly the same start that they had against Henley last year. The following 38 minutes produced nothing but penalties infuriating the Chinnor supporters with Chinnor not getting the rub of the green.

Greyhounds were successful with two penalties and Chinnor had to work hard with their defence. During this period it appeared that every time that Chinnor got the ball they were penalised. But the boys proved their worth as always with a defence so good that Greyhounds had no choice but to kick their points instead of going for the tries.

The rugby played was good rugby but it was sadly felt that the Referee took the shine off it by being over generous with his issue of yellow cards.

The first half finished seven points to six in Chinnor?s favour. The second half started with the Chinnor forwards dominating the scrums and the pick and drives stamping their dominance on the pitch. They were duly rewarded with a great try by Tristan Corpe and converted by Sam Angel, increasing their lead to 14 points to six.

This was followed five minutes later by the ?ever green? Simon Matthews who scored Chinnor?s third try giving a good lead of 19 points to six.

Greyhounds had no answer for the forwards and were having less and less ball to play with. The Referee was still happy to share out the yellow cards to both sides, but fortunately Chinnor was still able to enjoy great rugby played by both teams.

Greyhounds added another penalty to their score and Harry Hillier replied with a try, making it Chinnor?s fourth. Sam Angell followed shortly with a successful penalty with the last kick of the game, and the final score was 27 points to nine, giving Chinnor four cup wins in a row.

This was a game in which 40 players gave their all and provided the spectators with good rugby from both sides – a credit to both clubs. Well done both teams!

As so often is the case, trying to single out anyone for Man Of the Match was tough, Max Williams, Nick Harrison, Trevor Powell or Tristan Corpe and many others would have fit the bill. But finally it was decided that Man of the Match was to go to Ed Vickers.

SOURCE: Contributed
PHOTO: Paul Murphy, President of the RFU looks on delightedly as Ed Vickers shows off the Cup