Video is here: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/chinnor/?section=videos_photos_view&video_id=4729

Chinnor, playing the league leaders, made just too many mistakes and finished 7-25 losers to Old Patesians at Kingsey Road.

On a pleasant autumnal day, Chinnor put out nearly the same team as the week before – something unusual for the injury struck squad. Ben Farr retained his place on the wing and Pip Seymour returned on the other wing.

The strong wind had a significant say in the outcome of the match. With it at their backs, Old Patesians used it wisely in the first half. By the 10th minute, Old Patesians were 6 points up, courtesy of two penalty goals from fly half Adam Seager. Keeping Chinnor trapped in their own half for most of the first half by tightly organised defence, it was not long before Old Pats increased their lead to 13-0 thanks to a converted try from centre Ben Parker. This was a particularly heart breaking score for Chinnor as it came as they were almost in the act of scoring themselves. In one of their rare forays into the Old Pats 22, Chinnor put together a set of forward plays that got them to the line. A flicked up ball from a tackle on the Old Pats line was snatched by Bryant, who ran the length of the field. Farr, chasing back, managed to tackle him just short of the Chinnor line. The ball fell free to Parker who touched down.

Old Pats continued to dominate territory and their well drilled defence smothered Chinnor attempts to break free. Parker, for Old Pats, added another try on the 31st minute to give Old Pats a half time lead of 18-0.

Chinnor had a much brighter second half and took the game more to Old Pats, spending most of the time in their half. However, wayward passes, knock ons and poorly judged kicks meant that Chinnor failed to score significant points from superior field advantages. However, 12 minutes into the half Chinnor troubled the score board. Cathcart, receiving good ball in the visitors 22, decided not to test their unfailingly defence wide out yet again. With a subtle dummy, he scooted to the posts to score a try which he then converted to reduce the deficit to 7-18. A series of pick and drives then earned Old Pats another try. Fly half Seager went over and then converted his own try to give Old Pats a 7-25 lead on the 56th minute.

With still about a third of the match to go, Chinnor upped their game, increased their mistakes and the highly organised Old Pats defence kept them at bay to finish winners by 25 – 7.

Old Patesians proved to be a well drilled side that did all the basics very well. Their defence was resolute and they never seemed hurried in executing their game plan. The exchange referee from North Yorkshire was more than competent although he might work harder to spot offsides. Chinnor however made too many unforced mistakes to threaten a confident visiting side. They never made great use of the wind when they had it. Once again, Sam Jones’ tackling and industry was eye catching.

Chinnor should not be too dismayed as they know that, if they can cut out the excess of mistakes, then they can be properly competitive.
Chinnor team: Wallace, Farr, Williams, Hewitt J, Seymour (Hewitt B 59), Cathcart, Prescott, Winpenny (Matthews 70), Cawston, Pickett, Jackman, Black (Williams M 78), Jones, Hastings, Mowbray (Gilbert 56).
Reps: Matthews, Gilbert, Hewitt B