Chinnor 1st XV 31 vs. Coney Hill 1st XV 43
Powergen Cup Qualifying Round

The first competitive game of the season and a comprehensive defeat for Chinnor in this National Powergen Senior Cup qualifying game.

Not just the score but the manner of the loss must leave the coaching staff viewing the start of next weeks league programme with much trepidation.

With five debutants, apart from the opening seven and closing ten minutes, the home side were totally out-played, out-muscled, out-run and out-thought by a side who ply their trade one league lower.

Chinnor tamed the visitors opening aggression & started the scoring in the 7^th minute with a James Cathcart penalty. Then showing no indication of their lower league status, the visitors switched their attacks through their backs who produced four tries and three conversions  – two going to flying winger Gavin MANN to make it 3-26 at half time.

Coney Hill got the second half under way with an unconverted try in the first minute followed two minutes later with a try by debutant scrum half Danny BURNS converted by James Cathcart.

Chinnor compounded their own problems in the 53^rd minute when experienced centre Jon BROOKS  was rightly sent off for a late, dangerous shoulder tackle – no doubt borne of frustration.

The Glostermen charged on with two further tries and a conversion before Chinnor mounted a superb fight back with three tries in the closing ten minutes. First the forwards with a push over try; then winger Leon Westerman followed by Aussie centre Cameron Shaw. All three were converted by fly half Cathcart.

A spirited fight back, but being authors of their own downfall, it was too little too late.