Chinnor Seconds played their second league game of the season against old rivals Maidenhead seconds. They have now joined the Shield League to play top class rugby.
With no rain for weeks it was like playing on a South African highveld pitch, but thankfully not as bad as other English pitches so far not having the dust.
Chinnor put themselves under pressure from the kick off by knocking the ball on against a determined Maidenhead team resulting in a successful penalty, Chinnor then came back within a minute and scored a try by Thad Cooper which he also converted.
Chinnor forwards then started to dominate the opposition pack in the scrums, mauls and lineout. It was a pleasure to watch such good rugby played by two good teams, that gave as good as they got and a bit more.
Chinnor kept the score sheet moving with a try by Ricky Hopwood followed by a drop goal by Tom Curry and a penalty by Cooper. Leading up to half time Matt Webster scored a try after a powerful forwards drive that Maidenhead were unable to stop and was converted by Cooper and the first half finished 25 points to 3 to Chinnor.
In the second half Chinnor went off the boil, but it was very hot and with the pitch so hard it was heavy going on the legs and feet and I think the boys just wanted to defend their lead with out doing too much.
Maidenhead put the first points on the board after 15 minutes of the second half with a well taken try through the middle and scored under the posts and converted. This spurred Chinnor on and got the forwards started working together again, with Andy Millburn scoring a try. Webster followed with his second try of the game.
Going into injury time a dropped ball allowed Maidenhead a soft converted try and the game finished 35 points to 17 to the home team.
Darren Oxley who has been unavailable for the past few weeks due to illness played for the seconds this week and made a significant difference to the back line and team with his leadership as captain for the day. It was of great benefit to have him in the team.
Once again Man of the Match could have been awarded to any of the eighteen players on the field but the popular vote goes to Matt Grellier who played an outstanding game.
A big thank you to Adam Woodliffe for getting out five teams with at least 3 on the bench for each team with so many injuries.

Scorers
Tries. Thad Cooper,Ricky Hopwood,Andy Millburn and Matt Webster 2
Conversions.Thad Cooper 2
Penalties. Thad Cooper
Drop Goals. Tom Curry