Chinnor produced a stunning performance to defeat high flying Worcester Warriors at a highly emotionally charged Kingsey Road. The high-quality display was a fitting tribute to Simon Vickers in front of a record crowd and has put the team within reach of a play-off position.

Chinnor were determined to bounce back after their disappointing display at the Pirates, and they delivered in spades with a sparkling 4 tries and 5 points. In sunny, breezy conditions on a fast and hard track Chinnor were playing against the elements in the first 40 and so would be looking to keep themselves within striking distance for the second stanza.

A 19-5 lead at half time would probably have been beyond even the most optimistic supporters hopes but a barnstorming start put them in a position to dominate and to their great credit they kept up the momentum and intensity.

Almost inevitably it was the prolific Alun Walker who was first to score as he touched down from a 5-metre driving maul for his 13th of the season in the 8th minute. A clever lineout move released a rampaging Will Cave on a trademark run down the left touchline and after a few phases a lovely, delayed pass from Callum Pascoe found James Bourton on a superb line as he burst through the line and rounded the Warriors full back to double the lead on 20 minutes. A well struck Nathan Chamberlain conversion into the wind increased the lead to 12-0.

Things got even better for Chinnor as Cave ripped the ball from a Warriors attack and Chinnor looked to launch an attack from deep, as Walker and Pascoe saw the space and linked with Joe Brock. Brock did superbly to beat several defenders and then find Grant Hughes, who out stripped the defence to sprint home, again converted by Chamberlain for a 19-0 lead after 25 minutes.

Warriors were almost stunned into action but defensive pressure from Chinnor put them under pressure which saw them push passes and kick too long with the elements. They did strike back when a clever chip from Twelvetrees saw Garside win the race to the line, 19-5.
The next score after half time would be crucial and it was Chinnor who stretched their lead with a Chamberlain penalty which was then followed by a brilliant snatch and grab from the livewire Pascoe. Warriors looked to launch an attack from a midfield scrum but a pass out the back to Twelvetrees was plucked out of the air from Pascoe and he scorched home from 40 metres, converted by Chamberlain for a convincing 29-5 lead with just over 20 minutes to play.

This setback certainly seemed to be a big wake up call and Warriors lifted the pace and accuracy of their game, and they responded with 2 quick fire tries from Vanes and Kvesic, 29-17. Warriors were sniffing blood, but Chinnor raised their intensity in defence with some huge defensive sets which blunted Warriors ambitions. Chris Moore seemed to be everywhere with his ferocity and work rate. A crucial turnover by Rob Hardwick gave Chinnor the opportunity to gain some territory and with Jamie Campbell dominating the lineout Chinnor could use the elements to keep Warriors at arm’s length. A 50/22 gave Chinnor another platform and a chance to increase the lead to 3 scores with a Chamberlain penalty on 77 minutes, 32-17.

Warriors did score their 4th try with a chip and chase from Trewin but it was too little, too late and Chinnor rightly celebrated on the final whistle in recognition of a stunning home and away double against Worcester.

Nick Easter “It was an excellent effort to bounce back from last week. The boys played on emotion but played with intensity and precision. The game plan was executed superbly well, and we had some real stand out performances. A fitting tribute to Simon who has given me and all the squad so much over the years.”

Chinnor- Rukhadze, Walker ©, Bezuidenhout, Campbell, Brockschmidt, Dugmore, Cave, Wharton, Pascoe, Chamberlain, Goss, Bourton, Watson, Hughes, Brock
Replacements- Hardwick, Porter, Morre, Ryan, Main, Carter, Hanks, Rafferty
Tries- Walker, Bourton, Hughes, Pascoe
Cons- Chamberlain x3
Pens- Chamberlain x2

Report by John Vaughan
Photo credit - David Howlett
Final home game - Saturday 9th May vs Richmond
Tickets Available https://ethicalticketing.org/chinnor-rfc/event/339115966