The vagaries of the fixture computer meant Chinnor were hosting DMP for the second successive match, albeit separated by the close season.
Both teams were fielding very strong backrows and it was looking likely whoever won this battle would eventually come out on top. Among the stellar names was young Issy Wharton who stole the show with a devastating 60 metres break deep into the second half which clinched the game. Wharton was eventually dragged down 5 metres from the line. Quick hands saw Goss finish in scintillating fashion in the corner to give Chinnor an unassailable 22-10 lead in a most unflinching, competitive match.
On a warm, sunny afternoon the game was played at a ferocious pace on a fast track.
DMP attacked from the off and their dangerous backs caused Chinnor to infringe on several occasions. A lovely break from Frankland followed by a delightful offload to his supporting centre saw Yates crash over, converted by Ree to lead 0-7 on 8 minutes.
DMP continued to take advantage of Chinnor’s ill discipline and unenforced errors to widen the lead to 0-10 on 13 minutes with a well struck Ree penalty.
Chinnor finally got a foothold on the game when after a series of drives Bourton showed great strength and footwork to elude several defenders and squeeze in the corner, 5-10 on 20 minutes.
That’s how the half ended after Chinnor failed to capitalise on good work from Passman as they bungled several 5-metre lineouts.
2nd half started in frantic fashion as both sides looked to launch attacks from deep. Chinnor drew level on 50 minutes when they eventually succeeded in driving Clementson over from close range.
With Hardwick making his presence felt in the tight, Chinnor finally took the lead on 60 minutes when good work from stand in 9 Smith released Feeney who jinked through several players to score, Price added the extras.
The heat and pace was showing as both teams were littered with injuries but it was the home team who took the honours. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the club, let's hope we get keep building the following.
Teams:
Chinnor
Lines
Walker
McNulty
Merrick
Sheriff
Wharton
Stokes
Ryan (c)
Carter
Price
Goss
Bourton
Passman
Smith
Feeney
Subs
Darlington
Hardwick
Brocksmidt
North
Clementson
Scorers
Bourton try , Feeney try, Clementson try, Goss try, Price conversion.
DMP
Barron
Smith
Harrison
Usher
Craggs
Fantini
Jones (c)
Hodgson
Pascoe
Fee
Hadfield
Frank land
Yates
Sableman-Blue
Walker
Subs
Fraine
Kyle-Clay
Davison
Law
Davidson
Scorers Yates try, Ree conversion and penalty
H-T 5- 10
Referee- Matt Sharpe
Attendance 400
Star man Issy Wharton.
Report - J. Vaughan
