Oxford Harlequins U16's (Home)

Chinnor U16's 33 vs. Oxford Harlequins U16's 8
Sunday 30th September 2007
Go Eastoe young man

Chinnor U16s enjoyed their second outing of the season defeating local rivals Oxford Harlequins at Kingsey Road by 33 points to 8.  With a number of the squad on county duty, this was a good opportunity for others to step up to the mark, which they did with conviction. 

Chinnor squandered a couple of good scoring chances before Bas Corp went over from a dummy switch move following strong drives by Calumn Bates and Tom Webb.  Harlequins, who were combative throughout, hit back with a penalty before Chinnor conjured what I’m told was the try of the match.  Tom Webb attacked the blindside from a scrum and Tom Green made good ground before linking up with Tom Webb again who scored against his old club.  After half-time, Sam Eastoe scored an outstanding individual try from the 22 to stretch the lead.  A close range drive to pull back a try for Quins proved a spur to Chinnor who scored two more when the ball was spread wide – the first was another from Bas Corpe, the second from captain Josh Webb. 

This was a strong display by Chinnor; the depleted team certainly impressed and showed the depth of strength in the squad.  It’s early in the season and there is much work to do; missed opportunities, loose passes, missed tackles and indifferent kicks will be punished by stronger opposition.   In particular, more coordination in hitting the rucks needs urgent attention. 

Your roving reporter’s man of the match?   Jack Green had another great game – strong in attack, secure in defence and showing off his new-found kicking skill of knocking over conversions from the touchline.  Bas Corpe made some searing runs and scored two tries, and Fraser Kay looked lively until he dislocated his shoulder.  (Slightly less lively after doing so.)  Seb Johnson continues to shine and Tom Floyd fitted in well on the wing.  There were plenty of contenders, but this week’s award goes to Sam Eastoe for an inspired display – he wanted to make his mark after his lay-off and certainly did so – which is not easy from the front row.  Go Eastoe young man, go Eastoe!

PS The original Captain Webb was the first person to swim The Channel – back in 1875.  Not many people know that.  (He went south-east.)