Chinnor 2nd team season eventually gets underway following the late withdrawal of last weekends opponents as we entertained Hertford in our first competitive league match of the season. Both sides are based on youth and development with a few wise old experienced players to bring through the youngsters.
Chinnor kick off the first half, Hertford start strongly and open the scoring after 4 minutes. A penalty on half way is kicked deep into Chinnor 22 metres,with the resulting lineout won by Hertford. The ball is spread wide through the backs to score in the corner with the conversion slotted 0-7. A couple of missed tackles which to be fair became the difference between the two sides over all. Chinnor respond positively and hit straight back with a Harry Hillier try and Ricky Hopwood conversion. A scrum is won for Chinnor, the ball is spread quickly into attack for Harry to burst through and score Chinnor's first try of the season, 7-7. Chinnor have a good 10 minute period, playing some attacking rugby with the forwards dominating their opposition and so score again on 17 min. A try started and finished by the forwards, some good close work set up Dave McKee's short pass to Justin Allen who stretches out and touches down for his first Chinnor try,12-7.
Hertford hit back again and dominate to half time with some good solid performances by their centre partnership and winger. All three breaking the gain line, with strong ball carrying from Hertford's No.8 as well to score two well work tries and a penalty to lead 12-24 at half time.
Hertford start the second half the way they finished the first to score a penalty and another try, 12-34. Straight form Kick off Chinnor regain possession with Anthony Kent scoring and Ricky Hopwood converting. Chinnor regroup positively and start to play some structured rugby, playing in the right areas of the field with good possession and increased phases spreading the ball between forwards and backs. Chinnor deserved to score again but Hertford held out for a deserved victory.
Overall the second half performance has given the team heart for next weeks match at Cambridge, work will be needed in defence and creativity to turn possession into points which no doubt will come with more game time and better understanding of this newly created development team.