Bridgewater (Home)

In quite superb conditions and in front of a large crowd which included the hierarchy of the RFU, Chinnor came second best to a powerful Bridgewater outfit at Kingsey Road on Saturday. Chinnor were able to field as selected, the first time that coaches Jason Bowers and Lynn Evans have been afforded this luxury for many a month. Chinnor kicked off and then did not touch the ball until they restarted the game some 90 seconds later after Danny Hodge exploited a gap in the home defence to go over unopposed. Chinnor struck back immediately when the powerful Eric Brown handed off his opposite number to pass inside to the supporting Gareth Duder who scored wide out. A fine conversion by James Hewitt gave Chinnor the lead just 3 minutes into the game. Unfortunately this was Hewitt's last act of the game as he had to leave the field suffering from sun-stroke. A penalty from Christian Wulff, and a try by the impressive Manoa Satana put Bridgewater back in front, but a fine individual try from Eric Brown, who was all over the field, converted by Gareth Duder meant Chinnor were back in front with 25 minutes gone. It was then Bridgewater's turn to go in front again when Tito Elisara finished off a fine three-quarter move to go over, with Wulff adding the extra points. Not to be denied , a delicate chip by Williams saw Jaike Carter win the race for the touch down. This was all quite a breathless first 40 minutes which only  ended when Simon Hafoka touched down for Wulff to convert on the half-time whistle. Seven tries in all with Bridgewater 27 pts to 19 to the good.

The big, fast and skilful Bridgewater threes took command right from the start of the second period. A brace of tries each for Wulff , who converted three, and Jon Edwards meant that Bridgewater were never in danger of losing. Chinnor , who never gave up , got on the score sheet for the penultimate try, and a bonus point, when Ed Orchard finished off a determined move to go over in the corner. In Manoa Satala, Bridgewater had an ace card. He was the architect of the Bridgewater effort with his speed , angles of running and dexterity a delight to watch. They were also well served at half-back. Chinnor were unfortunate to lose James Hewitt early on and injuries to Joe Winpenny and Matt Hutchins, who sustained a serious ankle knock, did them no favours. Indeed the both the pace of the game and the heat took its toll, with JP Emmelman having to play on the flank for the last 15 minutes. Eric Brown once again showed that he is a handful for any opposition defence.

Pictures below courtesy of the Bridgewater & Albion match report - many thanks.