Chinnor fashioned a 61-28 win, away at Barnes at the weekend. The Chinnor pack were dominant throughout the game, with their powerful scrummage causing Barnes many problems.
The visitors superiority was illustrated early on, when, from a second rolling maul in quick succession, the ball was laid back for Greg Goodfellow to put Danny Barnes in for the first try after just two minutes.
With most of the action in Barnes territory, Chinnor squandered a few opportunities before setting up a scrummage just metres out from the try line. With Barnes collapsing the scrum a number of times, the referee had no alternative but to award a penalty try.
The game then opened up which suited Barnes. They showed they are quick on the counter attack and can move the ball skilfully at pace.This was illustrated when in the space of three minutes, they scored two tries.The first by their elusive centre Tom O’Toole, followed by Ciaran Smith exploiting a bit of sloppiness by Chinnor to go over for the second. Both were converted by O’Toole.
It was then Chinnor’s turn to defend. During this five minute phase they illustrated why they have the best defensive record in the league, showing formidable organisation and commitment.This had its reward, when after breaking out, Junior Fatialofa took his man on the outside to go over just on the stroke of half-time. With Bertie Hopkin adding the conversion from the touchline, Chinnor lead 19-14 at the interval.
Chinnor took control straight from the restart when first Kieran Goss sprinted over from a well worked move, quickly followed by George Messum, forcing his way over. When C.J Osazuwa scored in similar fashion minutes later and Bertie Hopkin converting all three, Chinnor had scored 21 points in a ten minute spell and it was game over. Barnes showed a lot of spirit when, after this onslaught, O’Toole scored from long range and converted his try. George Messum then powered his way over for his second try, again converted by Hopkin. Barnes were not to be denied and a delightful chip over the Chinnor defence by Jamie Collins bounced kindly and put him in for Barnes’ fourth try and bonus point. O’Toole added the extras.
With Bevon Armitage scoring and then setting up Tom Price to go over under the posts, Chinnor had added another nine tries to their already formidable total. Bertie Hopkin, in converting these last two, had kicked 8 out of 9 possible conversions.
Chinnor’s fitness, power and organisation once again showed through. George Messum’s presence in defence and with ball in hand was immense. His all-round presence in the side will be missed as he leaves rugby. We wish him well in his new career.
This was an impressive win for Chinnor but many sides will go to Barnes this season and come away second best.
