Chinnor need to ‘let the shackles off’ next match

MATT Williams, Director of Rugby, is urging his Chinnor players to let the shackles off at Kingsey Road when Old Elthamians visit this weekend.

Hooker Nick Selway, who has scored six tries in his last five games – evidence of how strong the set-piece has been. Image credit Simon Cooper

The Thame-based side are searching for their fifth win from six games in 2020 as they bid to further cut the gap to the teams immediately above them. Just a victory now separates fourth-placed Chinnor and Rosslyn Park who are second, with a six-match unbeaten away run playing a contributing factor.

Last week’s 42-24 win at Rotherham Titans means the side have now averaged 37 points in their last four away games. Old Elthamians were the last side to beat Chinnor on the road back in October and director of rugby Williams is hoping that form can be emulated at home as they search for a fourth successive win on Saturday.

“The boys are confident, our set-piece is going really well, and our attacking threat is where we wanted it to be earlier in the season,” said Matt. “We’re strong on the road, but now it’s about keeping the home momentum rolling. Sometimes you go into your shell at home because there’s an expectation. We had a very good home record (a few years ago) and that’s well documented.

“We’ve lost our way a little bit over the last 12 months at home, but away we’re enjoying it; we’re not worrying about field position; we’re playing very much heads-up rugby and it’s the same message for home now. It’s about letting the shackles off, play what you see, don’t become too scripted, but obviously build the momentum around the fact that we’ve got such a big set-piece.

“Chris Elder (ankle) and Caolan Ryan (concussion) are still sidelined, but Williams has close to a fully-fit squad. It’s exciting. I’ve been waiting for two years to have a moment where we have the depth we do. There’s over 30 very fit boys, (who are) very hungry for a starting jersey this week.”

SATURDAY’S SQUAD
Chinnor (v Old Elthamians, home): from Dancer, Fidler, Goss, Harries, Hoadley, Hodson, Kirwan, Laverick, Marley, May, McNulty, Pieterse, Ramshaw, Rees, W Ryan, Southworth, Selway, Thomas, Tyas, Watson, Worrall, Yawayawa.