7th April 2024
Chinnor ran in 6 tries in an impressive performance to overcome a very competitive Leicester Lions in front of a huge vociferous crowd.
In blustery conditions Chinnor kicked off against the wind and a hanging Worboys start was pressurised by Brocksmidt. Hardwick scooped up the loose ball and charged into the 22 before offloading to a turbo charged Ryan who powered over with several defenders hanging off him. Worboys converted to 7-0.
Both teams struggled with the conditions as they looked to play adventurous rugby the wind interfered with some passing.
On 19 minutes Worboys pinned Lions into their 22 and after a Curry catch Walker peeled off and fed Carter with a clever offload and the superb 9 scooted over under the posts. 14-0
The tenacious visitors struck back after some lovely interplay saw the dangerous Satala run in to score. 14-7
The game was now in the balance as Lions continued to attack and use the wind to their advantage. However Chinnor’s defence was supreme as they stopped several Lions attacks with some incredible turnovers from Clementson and Ryan.
A huge hit from Passman on Hamilton turned over the ball and Chinnor attacked from deep. A Hughes break took play deep into Lions territory and a sublime Worboys offload saw Passman hit the hole with power and pace, there was no stopping the juggernaut centre as he dotted down under the posts. 21-7.
Chinnor would have been well pleased to go into the break against the wind and came out with intent to immediately put Lions under pressure. More carries from inspirational skipper Willie Ryan saw the hosts increase their lead when mercurial Goss beat three defenders to score on 51 minutes Again Worboys converted.
Chinnor were now on top and with the wind the kicking from Feeney was imperious and gave Lions no real chance. From another catch and drive, Ryan again surged deep and quick recycle ball gave Worboys the outside to surge over. 35-7.
Lions then raised a counter attack and showed superb handling to put Thompson over on 65. 35-7.
The game became like basketball as both teams attacked with brio. Chinnor looked to score but an interception by Hamilton saw him race 90 metres but a last ditch tackle from Hughes denied the score.
A turnover from young Clifford gave Feeney the chance to pin Lions into the 22 and after a series of carries Ryan topped a towering display to score in the last minute. 42-12
Nick Easter was very pleased with the display “one of our best defensive efforts of the season against a very dangerous team. Playing against the wind in the first half the boys showed amazing grit , determination and discipline. Willie Ryan gave the ultimate Captain’s performance and he has Premiership quality. Lions gave everything and proved themselves an excellent team”
Chinnor- Feeney, Hughes, Passman, Bourton, Goss, Worboys, Carter, Ryan, Clementson, Stokes, Brocksmidt, Curry, Hardwick, Walker, Lines.
Replacements- Woodward, Darlington, Clarke, Clifford, Chamberlain
Tries- Ryan 1, 80, Carter 19, Passman 27, Goss 51, Worboys 57
Cons - Worboys x6
Lions- Joseph, Satala, Hamilton, Boucher, Davies, Lewis, Stubbs, Thomas, Thompson, Dawson, Godefoy, Ward, Koroiyada, Johnson,Cairns
Replacements- Roberts, Crane, Coulson, Verbel, Ogden
Tries - Satala 25, Thompson 65
Cons- Lewis 65
Referee - Ben Rayner
Star Man - Willie Ryan
Attendance - 1876
Photo - Simon Cooper
