Good start for the seconds

Chinnor seconds are playing in the Zoo Shield Division 1 this season after wining Div 2 North last season. London Scottish RFC was welcomed to Kingsey for the first friendly game of the 2013/14 season. With the league starting next week and an away game against Old Albanians RFC, it was cutting it fine for the six new players in the team to get used to playing together. As we know a game against Scottish is tough opposition, and sure proved to be.
Chinnor seconds started well with great attacking rugby against a well drilled side and were very lucky to come away in the first 13 minutes with 3 successful penalties from the reliable boot of James Cathcart. We were unlucky to lose prop Ollie Jackson to a cheap shot knee at his hip which put him out for the rest of the game and left him in a lot of pain. 15 minutes into the game Scottish was awarded a converted pushover try with their forwards dominating the much lighter Chinnor pack and narrowed the lead to 9 points to 7. The Chinnor backs were more penetrating than Scottish, but the defence from both teams was outstanding. Shortly afterwards James Cathcart punished them again with another successful penalty, but Scottish outmuscled the forwards in the 30th and the 37th minute delivering two powerful driving mauls scoring two tries neither converted. The half finished 12 points to 17 to the visitors with the home side having to sort their pack out.
The second half started well for Chinnor with Jon Lavin adding a bit of muscle and motivation to the forwards. The aid of a few fresh legs, as well as the forwards and backs working well together allowed Chinnor to compete in the set pieces where Scottish had the edge. This turned into points in the 10th minute with a great try by George Blewitt in the corner and James Cathcart’s precision boot; the scores were level 17 points each. With both sides attacking and defending well provided good viewing for those watching. Scottish was outstanding with some of their tackling and preventing Chinnor from scoring on a couple of occasions. Scottish then took the lead with a penalty, but the last 10 minutes of the half belonged to Chinnor with a wonderful try scored by new boy Alex Harrison, again converted by James Cathcart and Chinnor were back in the lead 24 points to 20. The lead was increased to 27 points to 20 with 2 minutes left on the clock with another good kick from Cathcart.
This was a good performance by the team with some good individual performances as well. The game was watched by an encouraging crowd who were full of praise for second team and the depth of talent that we have in our squad this year.