Chinnor, in their last home match of the season, repeated the result of their first match of the season by overcoming Launceston 27-13 at Kingsey Road.

With a number of injuries and unavailabilities, Chinnor made some changes with Seymour and Blewitt called up to the starting 15.

The first score came in the 8th minute from a catch and drive from a lineout. Skipper Winpenny touched down to give Chinnor a 5-0 lead. A promising backs move broke down in midfield but Jones, for Chinnor, saw a gap on the blind side and put Millett away. His neat slip pass saw Seymour power over the line from 35 metres on the 18th minute. Launceston mounted a series of attacks and the Chinnor defence committed a series of penalty offences. Whelan, just on the field as a replacement, lasted no more than two minutes before receiving a yellow card for persistent infringements by the Chinnor team 22 minutes into the match. Millett’s penalty goal on the 28th minute gave the home side a 13-0 lead. On two occasions, fly hacks nearly resulted in tries for Chinnor but the Launceston defence was sharper to react.

The first Launceston score of the afternoon came on the 30th minute with a penalty goal from Kieron Lewitt to make the match score 13-3. Launceston No 8, Josh Lord, in his final match for the club, incurred the wrath of referee Mr Sullivan and received a yellow card. Half-time saw the score at 13-3 to Chinnor.

It was not until the 55th minute that a sustained period of Launceston pressure was converted into points. A neat grubber kick flat-footed the Chinnor defence and Paterson scooted into score Launceston's first try of the day. Lewitt’s conversion closed the match score to just 13-10 in favour of Chinnor.

Chinnor came straight back just two minutes later when a piece of Millett sidestep magic at a ruck produced a short flat pass to Fielding who hit the line at pace. With the defence line broken, Fielding had an easy jog to the posts. Millett’s conversion was a formality and the Chinnor lead increased to 20-10.

Hopwood, just two minutes on the field as replacement, was adjudged to have tackled dangerously and the referee decided that a 10 minute rest was in order. Jake Murphy, from Launceston, stepped up for a successful penalty goal and a match score of 20-13 to the Oxfordshire boys.

On the 67th minute, a series of pick and drives saw Winpenny touch down for his second try of the afternoon to increase the Chinnor lead to 25-13. Millett’s conversion was the final scoring act of the day to give Chinnor a 27-13 victory.

Launceston produced some promising scoring opportunities, particularly out wide, but Chinnor’s scramble defence always did just enough to keep them out. Paterson always looked dangerous with ball in hand.

Chinnor produced a gritty, defensively sound performance with Mowbray usually involved. They patiently worked to create opportunities for scoring interspersed with some smart handling from the backs, particularly in the lead up to Fielding's try. Both Millett and Fielding, despite their tender years, had good matches in the black and white shirt.

With just one match of the season to go, Chinnor are set to finish sixth in this competitive league - their highest level of attainment ever in the club's history. Much to do with the progress of the club can be laid at the door of Jason Bowers who steps down as head coach at the end of the season to progress his career with the RFU. He will be much missed by players and supporters alike.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Winpenny 2T; Seymour T; Fielding T; Millett 2C, PG
Launceston: Paterson T; Lewitt C, PG; Murphy PG

Chinnor team:
Matt Mountford, Pip Seymour, Leo Fielding, Sam Stoop, Tom Gray, Will Millett, Frank Jones, Joe Winpenny (c), Simon Tattersall, Andy Berry, Sam Blewitt, Andrew Smith, Tom Mowbray, Nick Harrison, Liam Gilbert
Replacements: Tom Whelan, Ed Vickers, Adam Hastings, Macsen Williams, Ricky Hopwood