Chinnor, behind for most of the match, eventually overcame Taunton 29-19 in the final quarter.

Chinnor began well when their constant pressure in the opposition 22 eventually led to a Taunton kick downfield which was caught by Fielding. He took the ball back strongly and passed inside to Colver who returned the ball for a Fielding try in the corner in the 5th minute.

Chinnor lost the ball in midfield and Taunton swept the ball along their backs for a Struminski try in the corner. Kingdom’s conversion put the visitors from Somerset 7-5 ahead in the 22nd minute. Taunton again used their backs to good effect when, straight from a scrum in the Chinnor 22, Struminski when over in the same corner for his second try to put Taunton 12-5 ahead in the 30th minute. Five minutes later, Colver reduced Chinnor’s deficit with a penalty goal to allow Taunton a 12-8 lead at halftime.

Chinnor went further behind four minutes into the second half. Metres from the Taunton line, the pass was intercepted and handed on to Struminski who raced downfield for his hat trick score under the Chinnor posts. Kingdom’s conversion put the visitors 18-8 ahead.

And then the heavens opened. The deluge of rain seemed to benefit Chinnor more than their visitors. Colver landed another penalty goal for Chinnor in the 56th minute. Straight from the kick off, Goode caught the ball and weaved through the Taunton defence to dot down under the posts. Colver’s conversion brought the match score to 19-18 in favour of Taunton.

Taunton continued to hassle and hurry but were guilty of giving away too many penalties. Colver benefitted from these indiscretions, slotting penalty goals on the 67th and 73rd minutes. With the referee poised to blow for full time, Ian Stock picked up loose ball from a lineout and, like a ten pin bowling ball, scattered defenders on his 20 metre charge to the line for a try for Chinnor to conclude the match 29-19 in Chinnor’s favour.

Taunton played at a level above that which their league position may indicate. They have a tough front row and a flyer in Struminski. They certainly gave Chinnor a fright.

Chinnor did not bring their A game to the match but were calm enough to bring the match back in the last quarter. Colver’s kicking was again excellent. Matthew Goode had a fine all round match – with his try from his own half being the highlight.

Chinnor have no more matches until the New Year when they meet old rivals Bournemouth at Kingsey Road on 5th January.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Fielding T; Goode T; Stock T; Colver C, 4PG
Taunton: Struminski 3T; Kingdom 2C

Chinnor team:
Colver, Fielding, Goode, Stoop, Hales, Millett, Jones, Winpenny (Stock 62), Holyland, Berry (Pickett 62), Hughes (Harrison 62), Smith, Mowbray, Sawyer, Gilbert
Replacements: Stock, Pickett, Harrison, Hopwood, Gray