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Chinnor 1st XV 19 vs. Southend 1st XV 34
National League League 3 South
Saturday 2^nd December 2006

A sloppy start to the second half cost Chinnor dear as they lost 34-19 to National 3 South leaders Southend on Saturday. Trailing by just three points, an ill-directed pass straight from the kick-off allowed Southend second row Andrew McClintock in for the simplest of tries. This was compounded two minutes later when another lack of concentration allowed centre Ben Green clear to score. Andrew Frost converted both tries. That these tries were close to the posts enabling Andrew Frost to kick two simple conversions only made matters worse. However, Chinnor put in a much-improved performance.

Richard Williams missed an early penalty, before Southend controversially took the lead. A line-out some 20 metres from the Chinnor line was secured by Andrew McClintock, who clearly put a foot into touch. Chinnor stopped playing awaiting the whistle, but the surprised McClintock was allowed to stroll over. Southend then added to their lead when hooker Isaac Cook scored under the posts. With Frost adding the conversion, Chinnor were 12 points adrift after just 14 minutes.

Three Williams penalties seemed scant reward, particularly as Chinnor had one try disallowed and went close on a number of other occasions. The disastrous start to the second half meant Chinnor were 17 points adrift and facing another drubbing. But they fought back with a spirit and determination which has not been evident in their play recently. Paddy Conlon finished off a fine move, only for Southend to hit back when Cook scored from a rolling maul. A penalty by Frost added to the lead, but Chinnor then scored a sparkling try when Martyn O'Mahony outpaced his opposite number before cutting inside the covering defence to go over.