Chinnor seconds fall short

Chinnor 2s travel to Hertford for the first friendly game of 2015 with a fierce winter wind blowing across the field, everybody eager to get back into their passion of playing rugby for the black and white.

Chinnor kick off and the first 10 minutes both teams spar to gain momentum and territory in the windy conditions and are equal to each other. On 15 minutes Hertford visit Chinnor's 22 with good possession through a number of phases, spreading the ball across the field for their speedy winger to score the first try to which they convert 7-0. Chinnor slowly get back into the game but do not get any points in this period. On 27 minutes Chinnor loose possession in the centre of the park when the ball pops out of the side of a ruck. Hertford react quickly and send a kick down field with a run and chase through to score their second try and conversion 14-0.

Chinnor regrouped and slowly started to play with players starting to break game line of Hertford. On 38 minutes Chinnor score their first try of 2015. From a scrummage on the half way line the ball passed through the backs hands along to George Grose who shows good strength breaking 2 tackles to score by the side of the posts. James Cathcart converts 14-7, which is the half time score.

The second half starts and the first score is vital. Chinnor start well playing with better structure and possession ensuring more continuity and phases. However the next score goes to Hertford on 52 minutes after some sustained pressure on our try line 21-7. On 60 minutes Chinnor do score with Alex Waddington. From a scrummage, which some how turned into a driving maul, they push Wadders over the line James converting 21-14. Hertford hit back straight away and are unfortunate not to score, with some great defence from Chinnor.

On 70 minutes Chinnor receive their first of two yellow cards in quick succession. Hertford take advantage of this and score their third try 26-14. Its a funny old game, during this period Chinnor play some good rugby, our fitness and strength were starting to show were we going to take something away from this game? On75 minutes Martin Nutt scores in the corner following a quick tap and go penalty, 26-19. The last 5 minutes was all Chinnor and we were unfortunate not to score to salvage a draw. Hertford showed great resolve and defence to hold out.
On overall reflection Hertford deserved their victory, playing as a well drilled team and dominant scrummage.
Match reporter man of the match was a difficult decision with some strong performances RIcky Cano, Nathan Napier, Martin Nutt, to name a few. But Alex Waddington was MoM for his work at the breakdown and commitment around the park. On the bright side of defeat, Chinnor gave 3 colts their debut as substitutes. Harry Lowe, Matt Smith and Charlie Krabbe, who no doubt will get further opportunities at this level and this shows the great depth coming through the club, well done to them.

Finally, thank you to Hertford for their hospitality and agreeing to the fixture at the last minute.

Hewel Evans: Asst Manager of the 2nd XV