This titanic struggle for promotion to National 2 South eventually went Chinnor’s way with a 19-8 victory over Tonbridge Juddians.

For the first 20 minutes, Tonbridge had all the ball and all the territory as they pounded Chinnor in their own 22. Chinnor could not escape but, significantly, Juddians could not make a significant score from all their pressure. 6 minutes into the match, Chinnor’s Gilbert was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on – putting even more pressure on the home defence.

Tonbridge Juddians eventually scored from a penalty goal from Charlie Harding to put the visitors 3-0 up in the 13th minute. The match continued to be played mostly in the Chinnor half. The occasional foray into the Tonbridge half usually ended in a penalty against Chinnor allowing the visitors to clear their lines.

Tonbridge Juddians, who had the stiff breeze at their back for the first half, went in 3-0 ahead at the break.

Just one minute into the second half, Tonbridge Juddians transgressed at the breakdown (a bit of a free-for-all generally during the match) and Chinnor’s James Cathcart stepped up to slot the goal from 45 metres to square the match at 3-3. Just two minutes later, Tonbridge Juddians’ replacement prop, Carl Ambrose, was yellow carded for coming in from the side to give Cathcart another opportunity from the same spot as the previous kick. This sailed over to put Chinnor ahead for the first time in the match 6-3.

On the 50th minute, Tonbridge Juddians again transgressed on the half way line and Cathcart slotted the penalty goal with ease. Just two minutes later, the Chinnor backs, prompted by Colver, slipped Seymour on a powerful run for the corner. Just held up, the ball was quickly recycled across the park for left-winger, Mark Chase, to score the first try of the match in the corner. Cathcart again unerringly slotted from the touchline to extend Chinnor’s lead to 16-3.

On the 60th minute, Tonbridge Juddians’ full back, John Tabrett, was quick to spot an undefended tiny gap on the blind side of a midfield ruck and dashed 40 metres for Tonbridge Juddians’ first try of the match. Unconverted, Tonbridge Juddians had reduced the deficit to 16-8.

On 69 minutes, centre Matt Goode made a powerful break in midfield discarding tacklers at will. The ball was recycled to Sam Stoop 20 metres out from the posts who was high tackled. Cathcart stepped up to make the penalty goal a formality and the Chinnor score 19-8. Chinnor continued to press for another score in the last five minutes but were happy to hear the referee’s whistle at full time for a 19-8 victory and promotion to National 2 South next season.

Chinnor won this match in the first 20 minutes with unflappable defence. Their determination not to let the opposition score was evident and their organisational skills gave them a great psychological boost for the rest of the match. All players will have pride in their contribution, particularly the back row with Waddingham again leading the tackle count.

Tonbridge Juddians’ opening salvo was powerful and committed and they tried everything to score but were held out by a committed defence. They would have hoped to make better use of the strong wind but a three point lead at half time never looked enough. Tabrett’s try showed that Tonbridge Juddians’ backs could be dangerous but they had few opportunities to get going.

Chinnor made much better use of the elements in the second half and James Cathcart’s three long-range penalties early in the half turned the match around for the home side. There were some fleeting moments of Chinnor back line play, particularly leading up to Chase’s try, but the conditions and importance of the match reduced opportunities to run. Defensively, the Chinnor midfield was rock solid with Goode and Stoop impregnable. Goode threatened on the few occasions that he had clean ball. This was a tight match won by tight organisation, lack of panic, determination and the metronomic boot of James Cathcart.

Chinnor has made many new friends this year in Nat 3SW and looks forward to making more in National 2 South. A great season for the 1sts and a great season for the club.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Chase T; Cathcart C, 4PG
Tonbridge Juddians: Tabrett T; Harding PG

Chinnor team:
Colver, Seymour (Gray), Goode, Stoop, Chase, Cathcart, Jones, Winpenny (Stock 75), Tattersall, Pickett (Whelan 60), Mowbray (Harrison 60), Smith, Jackman, Waddingham, Gilbert
Replacements: Whelan, Stock, Harrison, Gray