6th February 2024
Chinnor went back to the top of league with a thrilling win against a hugely competitive Sedgley Park on Saturday. Tigers scored deep into in jury time to get within a score and under instructions from the referee turned down the conversion attempt in order to restart the game. However time ran out when Brocksmidt defused a kick ahead and Smith kicked to touch for no side.
The game was a real helter skelter with both teams throwing the kitchen sink at each other. With a big wind in their favour Chinnor started well and after great work from Smith Feeney charge over Worboys converted. Park hit back when Henderson burst through the midfield from a scrum. Seals converted then added a penalty to take the lead , 7-10.
Chinnor, uncharacteristically, lacked accuracy in the red zone as continuous pressure and try scoring opportunities were spurned on many occasions. However they finally breached Park's defence when a Smith break saw him glide over under the posts, 14-10. Feeney was always looking a threat from deep and he coasted around the defence to increase Chinnor's lead on 25minutes, 21-10.
True to form Park hit right back with a sweeping move which saw Henderson crash over for his brace, 21-17. Chinnor needed to take advantage of the wind and managed to increase their lead on the stroke of half time when a series of drives led to Goss diving over in the corner, excellently converted by Worboys, 28-17.
Park would have been happy with this and an excellent kicking game from Seals and Wardle meant they were in the game. Chinnor scored first to go well clear when Gillespie finished off a flowing move after big carries from Ryan taking the scoreboard to 33-17. But this was not last as back came Park as Bordill finished off well, 33-24.
A trademark Wharton carry saw him charge over and again it looked the game was safe, 38-24.
However, Park charged back with two tries in the last 20 minutes being orchestrated by the dangerous Wardle, neither was converted giving them 10 points and finishing on 34.
Chinnor took the full 5 points for the 38 – 34 win and sealed top spot in National One.
Photos – Max Clementson, Chinnor blindside flanker
Chinnor- Feeney, Gillespie, Passman,, Bourton, Goss, Smith, Carter, Ryan, Clementson, Wharton, Brocksmidt, Curry, Hardwick, Walker, Lines
Replacements- Woodward, Darlington, McNulty, Stokes, Worboys
Tries- Feeney (4 and 30) Smith (22) Goss ( 40) Gillespie (55) Wharton (65)
Con- Bourton, Worboys x3
Sedgley Park- Wardle, Riley, Pope, Riley, Henderson, Seals, Tandy, Bordill, Bradley, Ailes, Crowe, Birtwell, Darlington , Maher, Downham
Replacements- Black, Thompson, Goodman, Bradley, Sturgess.
Tries- Hendersonx2 (10 and 27) Bordill ( 62) Maher (78) Ailes (80)
Cons- Seals x2 , Penx1 , Wardle x1
HT- 28-17
Attendance - 689
Star man-,Nick Smith
Six Nations Scotland Debut for ex-Chinnor player.
Elliot Millar-Mills (tighthead prop) who this time last year was playing strongly for Chinnor in National One had his debut off the bench for Scotland in their Six nations win against Wales on Saturday.
Nick Easter earlier commented "Absolutely delighted to see Elliot named in the Scotland squad. This time last year he was plying his trade marching our scrum forward. He never gave up on his dream that something big was around the corner. We were loathe to lose him but happy for his progression to Edinburgh. Then a premiership deal with Saints and now an International call up. A great story of perseverance and belief and yet another example of National One being an excellent pathway."
This Friday, 9th February, sees Chinnor Rugby back in National One action at their Thame ground for another Friday Night Lights with a 7.45 pm kick off against Rosslyn Park.
The last Friday Night Lights before Christmas saw a record crowd of just under 2,500 in attendance. What a great night out it makes with Disco from 6 ‘til late in the marquee, Burgers, Curry, Bars and ample free parking and Top Quality National One Rugby with League Leaders Chinnor RFC.
Tickets and more, visit https://www.chinnor-rfc.com/
