Chinnor seconds leave Henley gutted

Chinnor Seconds Match Report for7th April 2012
Chinnor Seconds vs. Henley Seconds in Cup Oxfordshire Cup Final
Chinnor Rugby club second team arrived at Iffley road Oxford ready for the Oxfordshire Cup final against Henley Rugby club. Chinnor seconds were given the mantle due to the importance of the Chinnor first team commitment of hoping to be promoted to national 2 next season. This of course also gave the second team the opportunity to show what they are capable off. The team made the final by beating Oxford Brooks by 39 points to 6 in the semi final. Chinnor’s seconds play in the Shield and have gained a great deal with the experience of tough physical and challenging games on a weekly basis. – Henley fielded their team with mainly second team players and about four first team players. Hence a great day for rugby with both teams being a credit to the game. Having two important games played on the same day Chinnor supporters had tough choices, and the boys were rewarded with the good support they know and rely on. Thank you! The most notable supporters were young Sam Hawthone and Scott Hall from the under 14 team who were happy to run the water bottles. They dutifully carry this out every Saturday that the seconds have a home game. We were surprised to find these two special lads waiting for us at Iffley road, ready to do the water bottles having paid £3.60 each on bus fare to get there. Great loyalty! With the game's importance being high on both team's agenda, both were keen to impress and we were provided with entertaining rugby. Chinnor came out of the starting blocks so focused and determined that they caught Henley on the back foot and before they could react they were 7 points - 0 down in just two minutes with a great individual try scored by Alex Woodhouse and the scene was set. Henley were then rewarded with a successful penalty. The next 30 minutes provided us with tough bruising rugby and both teams giving their all. Most of the attack come from Chinnor and they were unlucky on a number of occasions due to the Henley defence. Chinnor increased their lead in the 35th minute with a penalty by Alex Woodhouse and the half ended 10 points to 3. The interplay between Chinnor’s forwards and backs was outstanding. Within a few minutes of the start to the second half Chinnor increased their lead with another penalty and for the next 35 minutes Chinnor played the better rugby and began to look like the likely victors. Henley did score a converted try during the last play of the game and the final score was 13 points to 10. On reflection Chinnor appeared to be the better organized team and when Henley did have possession of the ball they very seldom got over the advantage line. This was a game Chinnor were determined to win and Henley thought they would win. Any one of the Chinnor players could have been Man of the Match but this week it goes to Captain Marvel Ed Rixon. This game was the best cup final that I have watched at Iffley road and both teams can be proud of their performance.
Walter McGuicken
Chinnor Seconds Manager