04/12/12….Chinnor Seconds make it 11 out of 11

OXFORDSHIRE Cup Game – Quarter finals – Monday, December 3 – Chinnor lls vs. Henley lls -Match report by Walter McGuicken:

CHINNOR seconds welcomed Henley Bulls to Kingsey road this week for an eagerly awaited first round of the Oxfordshire Cup Game. It was just a pity that the two finalists from last year had to meet in the first round. It was destined to be a tough game and Henley, having something to prove after losing last year?s final, as well as the league game five weeks ago, arrived in confident mood and determined to regain the upper hand.

The teams came out fired up from the start and the pace of the game was electrifying with great rugby being played by both teams. Henley proved to be more of a match for Chinnor on this occasion up front, and the game was very competitive around the break down. Forwards and backs worked well and it took fifteen minutes before the first points were scored, and this was a try for Chinnor by new boy to the club, Adrian Hales.

Utilising the full length of the field, both teams attacked and defended well and it took another fifteen minutes for Chinnor to increase the lead with a successful penalty by Sam Angell. Henley came straight back when a clearance kicked down field and landed a lucky bounce into the hands of a chasing Henley player who scored, but the conversion was missed from in front of the posts as was a penalty a few minutes later from about the same spot. A carbon copy of Henley?s first try came in the 38th minute, but this time due to a few missed tackles. Henley took the lead with a converted try and the half finished 12 points to 8 in Henley?s favour.

The second half started with Chinnor ‘upping the ante’, not being happy about losing the lead. Four minutes in, Captain Ian Stock broke through the centre and carried the ball well into the Henley half where it was off-loaded to Jack Horwood who passed the ball to Trevor (The General) Powell who powered his way over the try line with a number of Henley boys attached to his back. The try was converted by Angell, and Chinnor were back in the lead 15 points to 12.

Henley then levelled the scores by way of a penalty, only for Chinnor to take the lead with another successful penalty by Angell. Chinnor then moved further ahead with a great individual try by Dave Hughes and they increased their lead to 25 points to 15 with 20 minutes left to play. It was at this stage that a couple of Henley players took their eye off the ball resorting to rough play instead of tough rugby to the detriment of their team, and allowed Chinnor another successful penalty by Angell giving Chinnor a 28 points to 20 lead.

This was a game that 40 players gave their all to, with very good rugby being played by both sides and a credit to both clubs; well done both teams!

Once again a big problem to single out any one – Ed Rixon, Nick Harrison, George Blewitt and many others. But Man of the Match goes to Captain Fantastic who left nothing on the field. Your Dad would be so proud of you and the team!

What a result for the Chinnor Seconds! We asked for 11 out of 11 and you did us proud. The club salutes each and every one of you!

PHOTO: Man of the Match, Ian Stock

Semi Final Draw for County Cup,
Chinnor v Witney
Oxford University Greyhounds v Wallingford
To be played 2nd/3rd February 2013