11th November 2025
oncaster Knights 21–23 Chinnor: Chinnor Edge Thriller at Castle Park
A rain sodden Castle Park witnessed a nail-biting contest on Friday night as Chinnor claimed a dramatic 23-21 victory over Doncaster Knights in Round 6 of the Champ Rugby season. In a game that swung like a pendulum, it was the Chinnor resilience in the closing stages backed up by some superb tries that proved decisive.
Doncaster struck first through the boot of Russell Bennett, punishing an early breakdown infringement to make it 3-0. Chinnor responded in kind from the immaculate George Worboys, levelling the scores before Bennett added two more penalties to stretch the Knights’ lead to 9-3.
However, the Oxfordshire outfit hit back with real intent. A powerful carry from No.8 Gabriel Mann sparked their first try, finished clinically by Jamie Campbell running a superb supporting line and showing pace to run clear. Worboys converted to nudge Chinnor into the lead 9-10. Chinnor then increased the lead through a brilliant counter attacking try. Nick Smith spotted a hole in the Knights D line and sprinted clear before sending a dazzling 20 metre pass out to Freddie Owlsey who after a quick juggle controlled the ball and stormed pass the cover to finish. Converted 9-17.
The Knights rallied before the break. Sustained pressure earned five consecutive scrum penalties, culminating in Matt McNab diving over in the corner. Bennett’s touchline conversion narrowed the gap to 16-17 at half-time.
Chinnor extended their advantage with Worboys early second-half penalty, 16-20. Chinnor's bomb squad bench meant Knights were now struggling to gain any real momentum although a Morgan Bunting long pass found Joe Margetts in space, restored the home side’s lead at 21-20. Castle Park roared, sensing a comeback, yet discipline proved costly. A breakdown penalty gifted Chinnor three points, nudging them 21-23 ahead with still nearly a quarter of the match to play.
Chinnor managed the last 20 minutes well with good possession and territory and when Doncaster did attack they were met with ferocious and disciplined defence. With the clock in the red, Chinnor secured possession and booted the ball into touch, sparking jubilant celebrations among their traveling support.
Chinnor showcased grit and opportunism, earning a vital away win that lifts them up the table. Richie Williams was very pleased by the performance "We showed real character under pressure. After beating Coventry to back that up with another superb performance against another fully professional team is outstanding."
Chinnor - Owen, Thompson, Rukhadze, Irvine, Campbell, Dugmore (c), Stokes, Mann, Pascoe, Worboys, Owsley, Bourton, Hanks, Cousins, Smith
Replacements- Hardwick, Walker, Porter, Hall, Rafferty, Carr, Carter,Hughes
Tries- Campbell, Owlsey
Cons- Worboys x2
Pen - Worboys x3
Report by John Vaughan.
Next up - Friday Night Lights vs London Scottish 14th Nov 7:45pm KO
