It's almost 11 years to the day since Hartpury came to Kingsey Road, the first time we have met in the Championship of course. Hartpury have enjoyed a similar journey through the RFU pyramid as Chinnor and have established themselves as a very competitive and solid mid table team in Tier since their promotion in 2017. They won National 1 2016/17 with a remarkable played 30 won 30 record and only dropped 4 points from a maximum possible of 150- a truly astonishing achievement. In their first season Hartpury finished 10th in the League which shows what a challenge it is to establish yourself in the Champ. Arguable Chinnor have been the most impressive side since to win National 1 and will be looking to learn from the likes of Hartpury in how to prosper at this level.

Hartpury produced a strong 43-10 performance against Cambridge last time out which included a whirlwind start which saw them race to a 24-0 lead after 20 minutes. They have a serious driving maul and forward based carriers where powerhouse on loan Gloucester props the Benz -Salmon brothers feature significantly. Harry Short was the beneficiary last week as he collected a brace. In the back row Sam Lewis , the former Leicester Tiger and England U20 , forms a strong unit with Minto and Short.

Hartpury also boast a very accomplished half back combination. Mike Austin at 9 is a constant running threat, he has caused us many a problem over the years at Cinderford and has adapted to Tier 2 well. His partner Harry Bazalgette in his second season at Hartpury after a successful Pirates career is a danger and last season's top point scorer.

This will be Hartpury's third trip to Chinnor and they came away with the spoils on both previous occasions although both games were thrilling contests. In 2013 Hartpury raced to a 46-10 lead but a stupendous fight back from a Chinnor team featuring present Club members, players and coaches Cathcart, Frank Jones, Ed Vickers, Wheels, Gilbert, Stocky and Ange saw us held up over the line in the last play in an attempt to level the score which eventually finished 39-46. The match was also memorable for one of the better right handers we've seen in a long time when a young Ross Moriarty only received yellow for his contribution.

In our first ever hosting of Hartpury Chinnor were producing a courageous and physical display against the League favourites when a hugely unfortunate clash of heads between Cathcart and Serrano saw both of them taken to hospital and Chinnor playing the last 25 minutes with 13 men and eventually lose 18-31.

Moriarty is one of manly superstar players to have represented Hartpury either on their way up their way up like Jonny May, Louis Rees Zammit and Alex Cuthbert or after retiring from International duty like Nathan Thomas, Darren Morris and Terry Fanolua.

Luke Carter , Chinnor's in form 9 will be looking to put on an other quality performance against his former club and will be in a battle royale against Austin. Joe Rees for Hartpury returns to Chinnor for the first time since his stint with us anchoring the scrum. They join a few other notables who have represented both clubs including Jake Carter , Jack Hayes and Alex Dancer,

So we are in for another titanic encounter and really hope we can get the same support as we did against Caldy a few weeks ago. The noise and support make a big difference and there's the added bonus of Swifty and his tunezz.

3pm kick off.
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