With a playoff place secure Chinnor were not allowed to get out of second gear by a Canterbury team determined to play their last home game in style and give their retiring player, Tom Rogers, a fitting send off.
It was Rogers who started the scoring with a catch and drive try in only the 2nd minute. This was followed by continued waves of Canterbury attacks .The visitors failed to contain a confident and creative City side missing 1st up tackles and were second best in most areas. Royce and Cadman both capitalised of Chinnor frailties and added further tries giving the host a 19-0 lead with just over 20 minutes gone.
Chinnor then began to get into their stride with Alex Bradley breaking free and powering over and that was followed by Jack Gilding emerging from the base of a push over. Both tries were tricky but successful conversions for Jonny Bentley.
In front of a raucous home crowd Canterbury immediately responded and Chinnor’s missed tackle count climbed and the try bonus point was sealed. Half time 26-14.
The first score of the second half was to be crucial and, unfortunately, Canterbury started the hungrier. Rogers scored his second of the afternoon after 43 minutes . Duly converted by fly-half Best who ran the show for the Kent side. Moss then slipped numerous tackles to compound Chinnor’s woes. With a 24 point margin Chinnor again gathered themselves and began to played some quality rugby. Captain Danny Barnes lead the attempted come back running in when left in space. It was , however,with relief that Phil Chesters dotted down for Chinnor’s 4th ( & 5th ) tries sealing the valuable bonus point that confirms the home advantage in the Playoff. Canterbury never relented in their efforts and also added further tries. With the Chinnor forwards failing to create any meaningful platform it was a very tough afternoon for the full 80 minutes. Full Time 52-29
Matt Williams “They very simply did their analysis and they ran very direct and hard. This will act as a good wake-up call for the playoff match. We will need to play better in a couple of weeks time and we know that.
I think we’re disappointed with the match but the better team won and congratulations to them.”
