15th October 2024
Coventry 28 Chinnor 14
Chinnor can count themselves extremely unlucky to come away without a point after pushing an impressive Coventry all the way in this engrossing match. A combination of fast, physical Coventry defence, some lack of efficiency and some 50/50
decisions meant Chinnor squandered numerous chances to potentially come away with the spoils. It was though a titanic performance from Wilie Ryans's team as they dominated large periods of the match but just could not convert clear cut opportunities. Coventry remain top with an excellent 100% record but were in no doubt they had been in a physical and compelling battle.
Chinnor started brightly and a nice move from a 5 metre lineout was travelling unerringly towards the line when the Coventry second row collapsed the maul 1 metre out, penalty try and yellow card? No the maul was adjudged to have been taken down by the visitors. Another chance from a similar position was squandered when the ball was knocked on at the back of the maul.
This profligacy was to come back to hurt Chinnor when a break out against the run of play saw the dangerous Hitchcock make a scything break and open the scoring. Richman kicked the first of his 4 conversion. After more Chinnor pressure Coventy again broke from deep as Richman pounced on an overthrown lineout and released Robson to double the lead. 14-0
Chinnor bounced back immediately and a deft chip from Slevin was regathered by Bourton deep on Coventry's 22. A penalty in front of the sticks was kicked to the corner and after a powerful drive Carter showed great pace and strength to dive over under the posts, 14-7 and game very much on.
Again Chinnor attacked and were threatening Coventry's line when Kvesic secured a key turnover when a levelling score looked likely.
Chinnor showed great physicality and defence when Coventry upped the pace after the break. It was becoming an epic encounter and looked like the next score was going to be pivotal. It was Coventry who got the try to give them breathing space and they were loking in control when Robson quickly added his second. 28-7
Chinnor again showed superb resilience and skill to bombard Coventry's line in the last 20 metres but again couldn't make the possession and territory count with Goss and Passman going close. Eventually Coventry's dogged defence was breached when Passman crashed over, Slevin converted 28-14.
