Chinnor produced a defensive masterclass to beat their local rivals and leapfrog them to the top of the table in another epic, titanic clash. In front of a remarkable crowd of over 2250 both teams were determined to gain the Christmas number one and assert local dominance.

It was Rams that took the lead as they played down the slope and with the breeze. A series of driving mauls were repelled from the hosts but eventually the pressure told as Chinnor ran out of defenders and the impressive Ben Atkins dived over under the posts for Honey to convert, 0-7.

It showed the character of the team as there was no panic and just a steely determination to strike back. Where most players were having difficulties finding space Luke Carter managed to get away from a ruck and charge into the visitors 22, he immediately did so again and got to with metres of the line. Chinnor recycled patiently and Carter then carried for the third time in the move and crashed over, Worboys struck a lovely conversion from out wide 7-7.

Chinnor were beginning to dominate and Carter again saw an opportunity to attack from deep and took play deep into Ram’s territory. The dangerous move was illegally stopped by Robson who received a yellow card for a desperate attempt to prevent a score. Chinnor continued to attack and their efforts were rewarded on the stroke of half time when Bourton finished off a flurry of close range drives, Worboys again converted to give Chinnor the lead 14-7.

Rams have relied heavily on 5heir bomb squad and impressive second half performances to win many matches this season. However Chinnor were determined to up the ante as they increased the pace of the game and the ferocity of their defence. A towering performance from Fridge Merrick meant Chinnor could control large swathes of the second half. When Rams did have field position superb defence caused the odd mistake and several turnovers.

Hardwick, Darlo and Woody formed our own bomb squad and their effectiveness was shown when Rams decided against scrums when they had the option 5 metres out, a significant psychological blow.

Chinnor dictated field position with intelligent kicking from Feeney, Worboys and Carter Passman started to find gaps as the defence tired and a trademark bust in midfield took play to within metres and this time it was Brocksmidt who crashed over from close range, Worboys converted 21-7.

Chinnor were now well on top and 5heir efforts were roared on by the exuberant crowd. Another break from Pass an set Worboys free who unfortunately didn’t see an unmarked Gillespie to his right, Chinnor were denied a bonus point when the referee stopped a dangerous attack 5 metres out for an injury but then inexplicably didn’t restart the match.

An exceptional team performance was cheered to the rafters with an exhausted but happy team taking the praise.

Man of the match - Luke Carter
Montage Credit - funbuss
Photo Credits - David Howlett