Chinnor Seconds Match Report for 24th September 2011 Chinnor seconds vs. Oxford Rugby seconds Chinnor seconds had their third home league game in a row which is unheard of against Oxford Rugby who are new to the league and our nearest neighbours. Oxford firsts play in the same league as our first team. For the third week in a row Chinnor came out of the starting blocks with both forwards and backs combining well, and keeping the visitors under pressure. Initially Oxford was up to the task and attacked and defended very well and Chinnor had their hands full keeping the visitors at bay. This caused the boys to rush things and they took a little time to settle down. Chinnor forwards dominated all the set pieces and eventually took the lead with a try scored by Ricky Hopwood and converted by Jack Green. With the first points on the score board, Chinnor settled down to play rugby the way they can. Trevor Powell played his first game in 11 months playing alongside new boy Ken Prinsloo in the centre and this was a combination that led to high class rugby. Oxford tried to settle and get to grips with the game but Chinnor continued the pressure with captain Ed Rixon led the forwards by example with the backs combining well. The second try followed soon after the first, this time scored by Guy Hackshaw playing his best rugby to date. The third try was a well taken try by Steffan Myburgh around the blind side where he scored in the corner. The half finished with a move initiated by Guy Hackshaw with about 10 passes culminating with a try by Max Mitchem who scored under the posts and again converted by Green. This was the fourth try thus qualifying for the bonus point. The half finished 26 points to 0 in Chinnor’s favour. The rugby master class continued in the second half with Chinnor scoring 5 more tries by Ed Rixon, Harry Hillier, Ken Prinsloo (his first at the club), a second by Guy Hackshaw as well as a second for Ricky Hopwood. The game ended with Chinnor winning 59 point to 0. Oxford Rugby boys should be commended for their grit and determination, they never stopped competing and the score line does not give any insight into how well they played. This is a tough league and Oxford Rugby will improve because of it and this will in turn help the club in the long run as it has done for Chinnor Rugby Club. Once again it was a very impressive performance by the Chinnor second team with all twenty players again playing good rugby. Their success hales from yet again being secure at set pieces, strong in defence and incisive in attack. There were six changes to the team from last week, having lost two to the 1st team this week. We were sad to say good bye to Harry Carr who returned to his old club Grove. He should be playing at a higher level of rugby, and I wish no disrespect to Grove. The game was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the encouraging number of spectators there to watch and many were happy to give positive feedback which we always enjoy. Man of the match Ed Rixon enjoy. The next three weeks will be a good test of where we are as we play Richmond Saxons, Barnes and Hertford, all whom are in the top 4 of the league.