On a huge day in National 2, Chinnor took on the league leaders knowing a good win would take the Oxfordshire boys back to the top of the league. Chinnor were bolstered by a large crowd, and the occasion of Benji Manning reaching his landmark 100th cap.
The wind was an important factor in the first half which Chinnor did not take advantage of. There was strong & sustained Cinderford pressure from the start. Great Chinnor defence was rewarded with a penalty to the home side. The Penalty missed touch & in a loose passage of play Chinnor won the ball back only to see it ripped by going in to contact too high. This allowed Cinderford to run some good angles for Reuben Norville to score the first try of the day.
Chinnor quickly replied when they got their backs into the game when a floated pass from Jonny Bentley fell for Kieran Goss to swoop in customary fashion close to the posts. Jonny Bentley converted to give Chinnor the lead 7-5.
Chinnor had much possession but a succession of handling errors cost them dear when applying pressure on the Cinderford line. This was to be a theme of the afternoon and ultimately led to the home side’s downfall.
Shortly before half time Cinderford looked to utilise their rolling maul and finally went over for a try which Terence Barbarinsa touched down. This was duly converted by Moffatt. Cinderford led 7-12 at half time.
In the second half Cinderford’s ball retention was crucial. They started the stronger and controlled play .They scored two further tries with the first being dotted down by Matthew Lane. After many phases of quality forward rugby Cinderford sealed their bonus point try with captain George Porter scoring. Both converted with fine kicks again by Moffatt.
Chinnor finally scored late on after they eventually let their backs have a another run. Kieran Goss cut a swathe though the Cinderford defence. This was followed by a fine break by Mike McDonald which put Phil Chesters clean through. Bentley duly converted to bring some respectability to the score. This unfortunately was too little too late and Cinderford remain on top of the table.
Chinnor’s seasons endeavours were helped by Tonbridge drawing with Redingensians . This means the gap between Chinnor (in the playoff place) and 3rd place is a significant 14 points.
Final Score Chinnor 14 Cinderford 26
Paul Morris the victorious Cinderford DoR said “A fantastic game of rugby. They have our regard for them and everyone connected with the club. We came here to do a professional job and were deserved winners. I am totally in awe of my players and our supporters.”
Matt Williams Chinnor DoR said “The best team deserved to win. They hit us with what we expected and it was difficult to defend their barrage of forward runners. Individual errors cost us. Congratulations to Paul and Adam for their game plan which was executed to perfection.”
Referee Mr Gareth Holsgrove
Chinnor
Goss, Chesters, Dancer, Nawaqaliva, Barnes (c),Bentley, Goodfellow, Cano, Lawrence,Gilding, Curry, Jubb, Oliver , Bordill, Manning, Reps. Hutchinson, Bingham, Bradley, McDonald, Lamont
Cinderford
Moffatt, Hawley, Barbarinsa, Bogue,Norvile, Hemming, Stuart-Smith, Porter© Taylor, Elliott, Evans, Lemon,Lane, Beer, Hone. Reps. Brockett, Smart,Keenan, Williams,Winchle
Star Man George Porter (Cinderford)
Attendance 798
