Chinnor finished the festive seasons fixtures with another nail biting win to make it 2 wins out of 3. It was looking like Chinnor’s generosity had extended into the New Year as a succession of lost lineouts and conceded penalties saw Richie William’s team gallantly claw back a large first half deficit to edge in front 24-26 with time ebbing away. However, Greg Goodfellow had other ideas after his late introduction. His nerveless penalty with his first touch of the ball regained the lead and he then marshalled the last couple of minutes before kicking the ball into touch for full time.

Cambridge started brightly, a fumbled take from the kick off gave them a chance to attack. This they took with no second asking and immediately opened the scoring after a series of attacks led to a penalty from in form stand off Penfold 0-3

Matt William’s boys struck straight back with a super charge down by Ramshaw saw quick hands from Bordill and Dancer, a rapid recycle saw Goss release Hodson to crash over in the corner. The first stanza was developing into a thrilling encounter as the lead changed hands several times. Another restart was dropped which saw Cambridge profit from a try this time as a kick through from Penfold bounced kindly for Ayton to score. Penfold converted by for a 5-10 lead

Chinnor lost the services of key man George and inevitably the lineout suffered as a consequence. Another loss saw Cambridge capitalise and increase their lead to 5-13 after 16 frantic minutes. On his return to his old hunting ground William’s seemed to have laid traps for Chinnor’s big runners and the visitors were profiting from turnovers and penalties.

The momentum then shifted markedly after another lineout loss Cambridge kicked deep into Chinnor territory. Nothing seemed on as Goss released Joseph with a long pass into midfield. The electric Joseph had other ideas and burst through the middle then turned on the after burners as he rounded the covering defence to run 80 metres and score what is already a contender for try of 2019. Holland converted for 12-13.

This scintillating try was immediately followed by something almost more extraordinary as Thomas took the restart and burst through the chasers, he offloaded to the pacey Dancer who ran 50 metres then passed out the back door to the ever supporting Bordill. Quick ball was recycled and went down the backs for Goss to dot down. However after consultation it was adjudged to be held up. The deserved try was eventually scored in a more prosaic manner after numerous pick and drives, Hoadley sniped over to dot down close to the posts. Holland again converted 19-13. Chinnor’s tail was now well and truly up and they were playing some hugely entertaining rugby. The 4 try bonus point was secured before half time when a superb catch and drive saw George in the vanguard. 24-13.

Chinnor kept battering Cambridge with wave after wave of attacks but the defence held and with a minute remaining were awarded a penalty. Penfold struck it well but the ball hit the post and another lucky bounce, Ayrton was the most alert and snaffled the rebound. From the ensuing scrum Cambridge number 8 Schoeman quickly into running barged over for the visitors to peg back 24-20 with the Penfold conversion.

The second half could not live up to the pace and quality of the first. The game became more disruptive with several long breaks for injury. Penfold narrowed the lead once more on 44 minutes to 24-23 and that’s how the game stood, played mostly in the central third until the final, thrilling denouement

Referee Mr Joe James

Attendance 370

Chinnor
Ellwood George Gilding Thomas Ramshaw J.Dancer Bordill ©Burns Hoadley Holland Joseph Nawaqaliva A.Dancer Hodson Goss Reps: Oliver Betts Manning Goodfellow Barnes

Cambridge
Ibrahim Griffiths Peck Conquest Baxter Benoy Moore Schoeman Duffin Penfold Petrides Ayrton Yawayawa Asiedu Ayrton Reps: Ruddock Meek McCloud Rawlings Green