7th April 2025
Hartpury 17 Chinnor 17
A 40 metre Connor Slevin penalty gave Chinnor the least they deserved after a hard fought encounter at Hartpury College. A nerveless strike in the blustery conditions proved to be the last play of the game after Chinnor decided to go for the posts having chosen to kick to touch two minutes earlier. In the final minutes Chinnor had launched a sustained attack on Hartpury’s line and came within inches from taking the lead after a series of pick and drives. However the home side’s defence was strong and after legally sacking a driving lineout Chinnor’s gamble of going for the win looked to have petered out, but another Hartpury infringement deep into injury time gave Slevin the chance for the draw.
Chinnor had started the match against a strong wind in determined fashion. An excellent tackle from the hugely impressive Morgan Passman gave Tom watson a chance to jackal and Slevin kicked the resultant penalty into Hartpury’s 22. From quick ball Passman resembling a runaway truck smashed his way through midfield and showed good pace to score close to the post, Slevin converted 0-7.
With the wind very much in their favour Hartpury could kick deep and pressure Chinnor. Hartpury struck back after some excellent work out wide from Matt Protrheroe and shortly after went ahead from a driving maul scored by Jarry Short, 12-7.
Chinnor could be well pleased with their efforts at half time playing against the elements. Chinnor immediately struck back when another blockbusting break from Passman was expertly supported by Luke Carter who stepped inside the cover and dived over, 12-14.
The game picked up in intensity with Hartpury now faced with playing a more open game and from a turnover in midfield the home team’s backs managed to work an overlap for centre Robbie Smith and they regained the lead, 17-14.
Both teams had chances to score a crucial next try. Some fantastic defence on their line from Chinnor after a series of lineout drives was a turning point and when replacement 9 Callum Pascoe pulled out a superb 50/22 Chinnor were in the ascendancy as time ticked away. Try as they might Chinnor just couldn’t penetrate the Hartpury defence and asked Slevin to take the penalty for the well-deserved draw and another 2 points.
Chinnor- Smith, Hughes, Passman, Watson, Goss, Slevin, Carter, Ryan, Clementson, Rafferty, Green, Shaw, Hardwick, Moore, Lines
Replacement- Onasanya, Walker, Doak, Dugmore, Hall, Stokes, Pascoe, Bourton.
Tries- Passman, Carter
Cons- Slevin x2
Pen – Slevin
Man of Match - Passman
Photo Simon Cooper
Report John Vaughan
Next match - This Saturday Cornish Pirates 3pm KO
