"cheese And" gets Chinnor 2nd out of a Pickle

Having had their league match against Hertford conceded, Chinnor 2nds took a hastily arranged "friendly" against Ealing 2nds. This was going to be a tough test of Chinnors unbeaten record, compounded by the loss of a number of players who started against Henley the previous week.

The game started with Ealing applying the early pressure. However, as became the pattern of the game, Chinnor's defence was superb,maintaining a high tackle completion rate. However, it was Chinnor who had the first scoring opportunity after 12 minutes. An infringement by Ealing gave Alex Stevenson (Pickle) an opportunity, which he unfortunately missed.

After 15 minutes the score remained level with defences largely on top. However the last 20 minutes of the 1st half saw Chinnor gain ascendancy. Two try scoring opportunities went begging as Chinnor attcked down the left wing.
The first score eventually went to Ealing after a number of phases with them scoring a try in the left hand corner. The conversion was missed.
Half time score 0-5.

The second half started with Chinnor back on the attack but unable to breakdown a well organised Ealing defence. However, in the 50th minute Ealing were penalised for entering the ruck from the side and Pickle slotted Chinnors first score. 3-5.
The game was a real arm wrestle and highly physical with both sides giving no quarter. However, Ealing were beginning to show signs of frustration and ill discipline. A number of penalties were awarded as Ealing players continued to backchat the referee. The second of these resulted in Pickle scoring his second penalty to make the score 6-5 on 67 minutes.

The last 10 minutes of the game saw Chinnor defending heroically denying Ealing any scoring opportunity.

Chinnor held out to win the game. Another great example of the resilioence and character of this team. This was a real 18 man effort but the man of the match was Jon Lavin closely followed by 17 others!!

The 2nd maintaintheir 100% record this season (19-0) and it was a great send off for Anthony Kent and Sean Rowley who are heading off to Australia. We wish them well.