02/11/12….What a difference a week makes in rugby

CHINNOR seconds played in the Zoo Shield Division two this week, travelling north to Hertford for this week?s top of the league clash. But what a difference a week makes in Rugby, from the 20 players that outplayed Henley last week, Chinnor seconds lost 13 players which must be some type of record. Eight players from last week were promoted to the first team.

Chinnor seconds had to play into a very strong and cold wind that was destined to make it difficult and knew that they would have to keep the score within 20 points to have any chance of winning the game. As is usual at most away games the home side always start the better and with the wind at their backs that is just what happened and the first points were on the board in six minutes with a converted try. Chinnor tried to kick their way out of trouble but that proved impossible and had to go to the right option of keeping the ball in hand. They did this well, but the blustery cold wind caused a number of handling errors, that was a problem for both sides.

The Chinnor forwards did dominate the scrum and this gave them a platform to control the game and they were justly rewarded with a great try by Trevor (the General) Powell and Chinnor had closed the gap to 7 points to 5 in Hertford?s favour. Hertford kept up the pressure and were successful with a penalty and drop goal. Chinnor?s defence was outstanding with everyone giving it their all to keep the score as low as possible, which they did to the delight of the Chinnor travelling supporters.

The first half ended 13 points to 5 in Hertford?s favour. Sadly Ed Devine and Harry Hillier were unable to play the second half due to injuries. The second half began well for Chinnor playing their free running rugby and with the wind at their backs they soon took the lead with a break by Alex Woodhouse who off loaded to George Blewitt who out muscled the home team to score near the posts, this was converted by Woody and Chinnor had narrowed the score to 13 points to 12 within five minutes. Paul Davies then outpaced the home defence to score near the posts once again it was converted by Woody and Chinnor took the lead 19 points to 13 for the first time.

Woody then followed when he split the defence and scored out wide, giving Chinnor their seventh try bonus point in seven games. Chinnor continued to keep the pressure up with forwards and backs working well together, with just rewards when ‘the General,? Powell broke through from half way, he was then caught on the five metre line but was strong enough to cross the line with three Hertford boys attached to his back, and it was again converted by Woody.

Chinnor increased their lead to 31 points to 13. Hertford scored a consolation try after Chinnor had cleared the ball into touch and Hertford took the advantage of a quick throw in which was knocked on, and while the Chinnor boys were waiting for the Ref to blow his whistle the Hertford player ran on to score his try under the posts. Woody added a penalty and the final move of the game saw George Blewitt go over for his second try and the game ended Chinnor 39 points to 20.

There were a lot of commendable performances by Trevor Powell as normal Tom Webb, Jon Lavin, Ed Vickers and Woody, but man of the match goes to young Anthony Kent who will make his mark in the first team in the not too distant future. Second?s maximum points 35 points after seven games it does not get better than this.

Tries x 6, Conversion?s x3 Penalties x1 x Thanks to Woody for coming down this weekend.

Also a big thank you to Martins son Stephen who helped us out and played in his first senior game at just 17 years old – well done!

Next match is on Saturday at home against Old Albanians 2s. Kick off is 14.30 Free entrance.

SOURCE: Contributed