Chinnor launched a stirring and scintillating last quarter fightback to take 2 crucial points at Goldington Road on Saturday. These points leave a play off spot very much in Chinnor’s control with one point needed against Richmond to guarantee 6th and any win guaranteeing 5th.

Having dominated large parts of the game things weren’t looking pretty for Chinnor when it seemed for all money they were about to concede a 5th try and be facing a large gap of 37-14 when Bedford dropped the ball over the line in the 73rd minute.

This let off seemed to galvanise Chinnor and their scrum superiority gave them the opportunity to piggy back up the field with poor Bedford indiscipline and a Kieran Goss break took them to within inches of the line. Chinnor seemed to have lost their chance when a knock on close to the line, not for the first time in the afternoon meant a scrum to Bedford. Another great shove from the pack led to a penalty which Luke Carter took quickly and although he was tackled no more than one yard from the mark, he managed to wriggle out of the contact and score under the posts. Carter immediately drop kicked the conversion which meant one more score and Chinnor would come away with two well deserved bonus points.

Chinnor launched an attacking set and a sublime pass from Alun Walker set Tom Watson dashing down the right touchline. Watson had plenty to do but he executed superbly with a chip and chase to outstrip the cover and dive into the corner for a brilliant try and a huge cheer from the travelling support. Nathan Chamberlain slotted the conversion, and the thrilling encounter had finished 30-28 to Bedford, who confirmed their 2nd position in the league and a home semi final.

Chinnor had started the game well and encamped themselves in Bedford’s third. Some early pressure gave them several attacking platforms, but the referee denied a couple of dangerous lineout mauls when identifying blocking at the maul. This was to be the theme of the afternoon which seemed to perplex the players, coaching staff and spectators. However, after a typical Watson surge down the left Chinnor went through the phases and Chamberlain released James Bourton on a superb angle and he burst through one tackle and rounded the fullback to open the scoring with a similar try to his effort against Worcester, Chamberlain converted for 0-7 lead after 10 minutes.

Bedford responded well and attacking their favourite end quickly took the lead after a big carry from Tuilagi on his 50th appearance opened their scoring and quickly followed by an expert chip and chase from the prolific Adamson, 12-7 after 18 minutes.

Chinnor managed to stem the Blues attacking flow and again dominated in terms of territory and possession but their redzone efficiency needed improvement with chances to score denied by indiscipline and turning down kickable points. Maisey extended the lead to 15-7 with a penalty from 35 metres on 35 minutes but again Chinnor roared back and encamped themselves on Bedford’s line. Good defence from the Blues kept Chinnor at bay, on the stroke of half time Chinnor were awarded a penalty 5 metres out and in front of the posts. Wanting to maximise the chances of a 4 try bonus they opted to tap this but a knock on let Bedford off the hook and end the half.

At 15-7 down Chinnor would have been happy especially as they had the benefit of the slope in the 2nd half. However, the half started disastrously as an unforced interception gave Tuliagi a 50-metre run to the line to give him his brace and Bedford a 22-7 lead.

Chinnor managed Watson’s yellow card well and when he returned, he was in a mood to stamp his presence on the match. On 63 minutes Watson took a lovely line from Rob Hardwick which wrong footed the defence, and he slalomed his way through to score under the posts, 22-14.

Back came the Blues as holes started to appear in defences in the heat and the pace of the game as Maisey finished off an attack to extend the lead with a try and another penalty kick, 30-14 with 10 minutes to play.

Chinnor’s subsequent fight back was too late to snatch the victory but thoroughly deserving of 2 points on the road.

Richie Williams “To come away with 2 points against such a strong team was pleasing, as was not picking up any major injuries. Mission completed in many respects, but we did leave quite a few points out there on a few occasions. We need to show a little more composure in that redzone. Blues showed they are very dangerous team and deserve their home semi-final spot.”

Owen, Thompson, Bezuidenhout, Campbell, Ryan ©, Moore, Cave, Dugmore, Pascoe, Chamberlain, Goss, Bourton, Watson, Hughes, Brock
Replacements- Rukhadze, Walker, Hardwick, Brockschmidt, Main, Carter, hanks, Rafferty
Tries- Bourton, Watson x2, Carter
Cons- Chamberlain x3, Carter

Match report by John Vaughan
Photo credit - David Howlett