Chinnor edge closer to the play-offs

AS we get to the time of year where a number of teams are scrapping hard for their National Two survival, the visit to newly promoted Old Redcliffians was destined to be another tough encounter for Chinnor RFC.

For the first time in many matches playing conditions were excellent and from the first whistle Chinnor made camp in the Old Reds Half. After five minutes,of persistent pressure. Reds’ flanker, Dan Fry, was shown yellow for a high tackle on Greg Goodfellow. Chinnor maintained their assault of the Old Reds’ line and from a penalty five meters out, the dominant scrum pushed over for No 8, Alex Waddingham to open the scoring.

Chinnor continued to turn the screw and after 16 mins Greg Goodfellow elected to go blind and fed Kieran Goss who predictably out sprinted the defence to score Chinnor’s second. Chinnor were now looking dangerous with every attack and the backs were threatening to cut loose. On 35 minutes, after another series of quality play, Bertie Hopkin was fed in to score which he duly covered. With only three minutes of the half left, the visitors concentration lapsed and allowed Old Reds prop, Craig McGrath, in to make the Half time score 5-17.

Playing up the slope in the second half, it was a question of whether 12 points was enough of a buffer to see out the game. Reds predictably kept Chinnor penned in and the defence held strong until the 53rd minute when Reds full back, Thomas Hargan, took the opportunity to close the score line with a well taken try. The valiant defence came at a cost with Chinnor picking up a number of injuries. With Ben Manning, Jonny Bentley, Will Bordill and Kieran Goss all leaving the field, the fresh legs caught Old Reds cold and from another five-meter scrum, the ball was flicked wide for Henry Lamont to secure the bonus point.

With every point being vital, Old Reds played some good possession rugby and forced Chinnor on the back foot for the remainder of the game and on 77 minutes, No 8 Ethan Doyle ensured they picked up a valuable bonus point. Chinnor saw out the final couple of minutes with some experienced game management and ran out 19-24 winners.

Another five points and with a rest weekend ahead – some welcome time for recuperation!

SOURCE: Contributed