Ealing trail as Chinnor finder the try line.

Ealing trail as Chinnor finder the try line.

A short journey down the A40 was in store to Ealing’s fantastic facilities with 3G pitch and boy what a performance, and a season first start for returning boys Bob Baker and Ben Hacksaw. Chinnor played into the wind first half with an impressive start and we camped ourselves in their 22 for the first 15 mins. But with a high penalty count at the break down area, better discipline and a little more patience, points would have been on the board. On 20 mins Chinnor scored their first try of the day following advantage played by the referee, James Cathcart’s long looping pass to Ricky Hopwood which enabled him to score in the corner. Conversion just missed the posts 0-5. Ealing continued to play with spirit and gain some pressure on our try line. With the referee’s patience running out with our high penalty count, the first of two yellow cards in quick succession was given for not releasing the tackler and 2mins later another for side entry. Was this Ealing’s opportunity to get back into the game? With Chinnor now down to 13 players we showed great defence skills and after Ealing camped on our try line, they eventually scored and converted 7-5. The determination of all the team in this period was amazing to watch under such pressure, especially the scrummage of six men pushing the Ealing eight back. Not too sure why after the referee went to uncontested. I am sure Walter would have enjoyed the banter with the referee!! The team back to full strength and half time approaching Chinnor were awarded a penalty and conversion by Alex Stevenson giving a deserved half time lead 7-8.
Second half playing into the wind started magnificently. A poor kick off from Ealing did not reach the 10 metre line from scrummage and numerous phases swept across field to the other side which resulted in RIcky Cano spinning out of tackle and crossed the white line and scored, with Alex slotting the conversion 7-15. Chinnor’s dominance now started to show, our discipline improved and the penalty count reduced dramatically with Ealing now giving away penalties. At 50 mins Chinnor was awarded a penalty 35metres out for not releasing which was converted by Alex Stevenson 7-18. The team’s confidence now ran high, playing expansion running rugby even from their own try line with Ricky Hopwood unfortunate not to score from this own 22. On 65 mins we scored again made by the forwards who were outstanding throughout 7/8 passages of pick and go which resulted in Elliot Bevan breaking through and supported by Alex Stevenson who scored a try, 7-23. Now for the best try of the day which started in our 22, a little chip over the top into clear space by James Cathcart split Ealing's defence, Nathen Napier collected the ball off loaded in a single movement to George Birthday boy Blewitt on the half way line and he sprinted in. 7-28 giving us our bonus point. Ealing showed great spirt and played to the end and on another day would have scored more points if Chinnor’s magnificent defence was not so determined, strong and organised.
Overall this was a fantastic team performance from 1 to 15 and Ricky Cano for his awesome scrummaging and all round play was our star man.
A big thank you to Ealing for hosting and letting all enjoy their superb facilities, which Chinnor can aspire to one day.
H Evans