Richmond 16 Chinnor 41
A turbo charged performance from Grant Hughes full of power and pace underpinned Chinnor’s impressive performance in South West London. Chinnor eventually overcame a determined and dogged Richmond and some horrendous conditions in the first half to come away with a 5 point win.
The first half was a real ding ding affair as the lead swapped hands several times, although Chinnor outscored their hosts 3 tries to 1 their lead was a very slim 16-17. Chinnor started well and took an early lead through a smart catch and drive and score from Walker. Richmond immediately hit back with 2 quick scores, a penalty and a slick try from Post. 10-5.
Hughes then entered the fray with his first major contribution when released by Feeney a weaving run opened his account. 10-12 after 23 minutes.
Chinnor’s indiscipline and unforced errors costed them 6 more points when Richmond opted for the posts on a couple of occasions.
But it was another try from Hughes that gave Chinnor the lead at half time, 16-17.
Having survived against the elements including hail, horizontal rain and an increasingly strong wind Chinnor could feel they were in a strong position.
However emerging for the second half they were greeted by a beautiful, still , sunny spring afternoon!
Chinnor increased the pace and encamped themselves in Richmond’s red zone. The hosts managed to repel several dangerous looking attacks with desperate defence and good turnovers.
This defensive effort was finally broken by a spectacular solo effort from Hughes as he slalomed his way through the tacklers to notch a superb hat trick. 16-24 on 57 minutes.
This try settled Chinnor and they began to assert real dominance, especially when Conor Brocksmidt put in a huge tackle on his opposite number. From a lovely Feeney touch finder Richmond dragged down a fast moving Chinnor maul and a penalty try was awarded. 16-31. Richmond were now down to 13.
Brocksmidt then wrestled a ball away from Richmond and put in a perfectly weighted kick ahead which saw George Worboys outstrip the cover to dot down. 16-31.
Chinnor rounded off the scoring after a flowing move released Goss in space down the left wing and Gossy streaked home to score in the corner. 16-41.
It was a very powerful and more disciplined second half performance as zchimnor really showed their class and all round game. Some excellent performance with 2 stand outs from Hughes and Brocksmidt.
A break for Easter with 2 weeks until Chinnor play their final home game of the season against Leicester Lions on 6th April.
