With time running out Chinnor were holding onto a narrow 7-12 lead and the match continued to be in the balance. Although Chinnor had completely dominated the second half and had camped inside the opposition red zone for large passages of play they had failed to add to the lead they took after 22 minutes. Captain Willie Ryan spurned numerous opportunities to go 2 scores up with easily kickable penalties as he backed his team to take the valuable 5 points.

The home team had shown a remarkable defensive effort time and again thwarting Chinnor with last ditch tackles or crucial turnovers. This rearguard performance finally cracked on 74 minutes when Conor Brocksmidt rounded off a towering performance with a charge down from a clearing kick then out sprinting the defence to touch down and take the lead to 7-19. Chinnor then added the final flourish on 79 minutes when Bourton crashed over after some fine work from Passman and Smith, Worboys converted both tries and Chinnor ‘s patience and determination to keep playing was eventually rewarded.

The game had started with BIshop’s playing their trademark expansive game and from an excellent break from Ayrton left winger Smith opened the scoring on 8 minutes. Chinnor hit back well and after some forward surges they kicked to the corner . Walker added to his growing tally as he peeled off the lineout to crash over, Worboys converted for 7-7 after 16 minutes.

Chinnor then took the lead after a a probing 50/22 from Worboys again gave Chinnor a dangerous attacking platform. This time Hardwick was the beneficiary of a well constructed driving maul and he charged over from close range. 7-12 on 22 minutes and that was how it stayed until the 75th minute and Chinnor’s late rally.

Again Chinnor’s bench played a major part as the hosts tired, Passman made some telling busts in midfield and Smith showed his class as his silky running skills exploited gaps as they began to appear. Clementson added energy and linked play well after returning from injury with McNulty and Darlo adding power to an already dominate forward display.

The boys need to keep showing the same level of intensity and quality as the big matches come thick and fast before Christmas. This Saturday we host Richmond who we have never beaten so no better day to put that hoodoo to rest. See you there.