18th November 2024
Chinnor 33 Cambridge 24
Chinnor put on a thrilling performance of running rugby and dogged defence to claim victory in a match that was in the melting pot right to the end. The raucous crowd were royally entertained in a game that saw 9 tries and which ebbed and flowed throughout. Chinnor and Cambridge showed why they have both beaten teams competing in the Premiership Cup already this season, although they were deemed too weak and not enough of a draw to warrant a place at the top table. This match and the whole evening was a resounding success in cocking a snook at the narrow minded decision makers.
Chinnor started the match with real intent and played with pace and precision, which immediately put the Blood and Sand under pressure. The home team opened the scoring when a Nick Smith cross field kick was pouched by the dangerous Ryan Crowley, who stepped inside the cover with quicksilver feet. Chinnor continued to play with impressive quality and double their lead when influential James Bourton crashed over on 13 minutes. Bourts converted both tries to give Chinnor a 14-0 lead.
The visitors responded well and with their large front five making yards from driving mauls , hooker Brownhill opened their account. 14-7. Chinnor showed their ability to pounce on the opposition's mistakes when a spilt ball in midfield was picked up by impressive debutant Tom Watson who scooted home from 60 metres, 21-7. Another Chinnor debutant Cooke in the second row was able to disrupt Cambridge lineouts with his aerial ability and this was to prove crucial as the match developed, The visitors did narrow the gap at the end of the 1st stanza when centre Sam Hanks crashed over under the posts after sustained pressure and resolute Chinnor defence, 21-14.
Chinnor bounced back again in the second half with a well taken Harry Dugmore score to increase the lead to 26-7. The visitors then had their strongest period of the game as they looked to over take advantage of Chinnor indiscipline , kick to the corner and rumble over. With two tries on 50 and 59 minutes this tactic seemed to be working and Cambridge looked very much in the ascendancy when they narrowed to 26-24. Chinnor redoubled their efforts and another Cooke pressure saw Cave pounce on an overthrow and storm into the 22, Pascoe supported well and sped over to score the winning try. Smith converted to clinch the 9 point win.
A thrilling encounter of top quality rugby, made all the more pleasing as both teams had not played for several weeks. Coach Mark Darlington " Superb performance from the whole squad. We showed real character and commitment to stave off their big push in the second half. I was chuffed for all our debutants to experience the Friday Night atmosphere and felt they all put their hands up for selection. We coped with the injury disruption well and we look forward to the Pirates in a couple of weeks"
Man of the Match - Tom Watson
Lines, Moore, Hardwick. Cooke, Ryan, Dugmore, Clementson. Hall. Pascoe, Smith, Hodson, Bourton, Watson. Crowley, Feeney
Primmet, Porter, Cave, Stokes, Monye, Yandall, Hughes
