2nd October 2024
Ampthill 31 Chinnor 29 - Saturday's match report:
Chinnor came within an inch of taking the spoils in a pulsating game at Ampthill. The clock was ticking into the 80th minute when Slevin’s penalty attempt drifted inches wide of the posts from 40 metres. Chinnor came away with the consolation prize of 2 bonus points but will be rueing the opportunity to have kept their 100% record intact.
The game started in cagey fashion with both teams looking to find weaknesses. The hosts went in front on 13 minutes when on loan Saracens centre Hall dotted down under the posts. Chinnor responded quickly when from Hardwick took advantage of a powerfully driven lineout to plunge over , 7-7.
Chinnor were penalised at the restart and Ampthill kicked to the corner, after a series of drives on loan Saracens Eke scored , 12-7.
The visitors then upped the ante and launched several attacks with the running power of Wharton and Ryan to the fire. A lineout drive was illegally taken down and a penalty try was awarded, with on loan Saracens Sylvester and Beaton sent to the bin. Chinnor increased their lead on the stroke of half time when a strong run and clever kick ahead by Goss was expertly touched down by Carter. HT 12-21.
The home side managed the early part of the 2nd half well when still down to 13 men . Indeed Ampthill were the first to score on 48 minutes Hall scored his 2nd after some superb work from Quorowale, 17-21. Ampthill retook the lead on 60 minutes when on loan Saracen Jackson exploited an overlap from a quick tap. 24-21.
The game increased in tempo and physicality as both teams went hammer and tongs for the win. Slevin reduced the deficit after great work from Brocksmidt and Pascoe. An unfortunate Feeney charged down kick gave , and yes you’ve guessed it , on loan Saracen Hallet the opportunity to sprint home to increase the lead, 31- 24 on 68 minutes.
Again Chinnor came back with gusto and after a series of attacks a kick to the corner gave Walker the opportunity for his customary try, 31-29.
Chinnor were determined to retake the lead and again attacked from deep. A penalty was given but alas drifted wide.
Chinnor gave a superb account of themselves against a team stacked with 11 Saracens and showed real commitment and no little skill. The team seem to be gelling well but will need to be fully focused against a wounded Caldy on Saturday.
Nick Easter said “ A real step up from last week in terms of physicality and pace of the game. We had our chances to win, especially when Ampthill were down to 13. We’ll go again next week and really look forward to playing our first game at home”
Chinnor- Feeney, Hughes, Passman, Bourton, Goss, Slevin, Carter, Wharton, Stokrs, Dugmore, Shaw, Ryan, Hardwick, Walker, Lines
Clarke, Porter, Cave, Brocksmidt, Clementson, Curran, Pascoe, Raduruks.
