Spirited Performance By Chinnor RFC Against Reading

A SPIRITED performance saw Chinnor through in this dogged encounter. Chinnor were forced to make several changes from their selected line up, due to injury and unavailability but welcomed back Zane Winslade to the fold and gave Tristan Corp his First Team debut.
With Readingensians making the early running, Chinnor’s defence was being well tested. Their cause was not helped when Darren Oxley, who has played a pivotal role in this early season, was forced to leave the field after 18 minutes with a knee injury. Tristan Corp moved into the centre with Adam White coming in on the wing. With both sides going close, Chinnor from a forward drive and Readingensians from a kick across field which saw right wing Juao Costa being hauled down just short of the line, the game remained scoreless until Spike Chandler slotted a penalty for the home side five minutes before half- time.
Chinnor were quick off the blocks at the resumption. In a move that started in their own half they moved the ball to the left wing where Pip Seymour chipped ahead to win the race for the touch down. With Grizz Mcguire adding another try minutes later from a forward drive, and Harry Jackman picking up from the back of a scrum and forcing his way over the line, Chinnor scored three tries in the space of 10 minutes. Chinnor then missed three conversion attempts, two of then hitting the bar when they should have been sitting pretty with a healthy lead.
A try by Reynolds, converted by Chandler, brought Readingensians right back into the game. Ben Hewitt eventually found his kicking boots to kick a penalty, much to the relief of the visiting supporters, and put Chinnor two scores ahead.
The referee’s interpretation of the setting up of a maul seemed somewhat confusing at this stage, causing much frustration in the Chinnor ranks. With Readingensians once again coming back into the game with a long range penalty from Chandler, the game was to close to call. Ben Hewitt, who’s all-round game and positional play had been top drawer all afternoon, then struck a preposterous drop goal from some 50 metres out to once again afford Chinnor some breathing space.
Readingensians not to be denied, scored at the final whistle with Flynn scoring from a quick tap penalty take.
In the circumstances, having to make three late changes, this was a gutsy performance. Six wins on the bounce, with four of these on the road makes for good reading. It was good to see both Zane Winslade back in Chinnor colours and Tristan Corp make a good fist of his debut, and to see Pip Seymour take his try well and fit into the unaccustomed roll of left wing.

Readingensians 18 pts Vs Chinnor 21 pts

Photo: Chinnor Firsts pictured at a recent away game at Rosslyn Park.