Chinnor seconds ease to Victory

Chinnor 2s first league game of the year travelled to Old Reigatians, we leave with snow falling around Thame and arrive in glorious winter sunshine. Its a funny old world.

The pitch is very heavy and Chinnor kick off up a slight slope. The boys start brightly with great intensity and regain possession quickly. A scrummagge is awarded to Old Reigatians for a knock on infringement, Chinnor turn over the scrummage and following a couple of phases, drawing in the defence James Cathcart decides to kick cross field for Ryan Collins to slide in after 2 minutes of play. 0-5. Just the start the boys needed. Chinnor continued to dominate and dictate play. Its on 22 minutes until Chinnor score again, a scrummage just on half way the ball is spread through the backs hands with great speed and accuracy for Harry Bomber Hillier to score in the corner to which James Cathcart to convert. 0-12. On 27 min Chinnor score their third try through Nick Harrison. A line out from Old Reigatians is stolen by Chinnor, they decide to run and play flows across both sides of the pitch at speed numerous times finishing in the corner fora great team try. 0-17. Old Reigatians show great spirit and continue play there own rugby and on another day may have scored, Chinnor showed great determination at defence not to allow any score to be conceded. On 36 minutes following good territory and possession, James Cathcart scores in the corner. 0-22 which is half time score fully deserved first half performance.

The second half starts and its not long before we score again. On 42 min Max Williams picks and goes from a ruck, passes ball to his support player through to Alex Stevenson shows great acceleration splitting Old Reigatians defence, passing to Bomber to score his second try of the day. 0-27. Chinnor are now in complete control of the game. On the 47th minute Chinnor score again. A line out is warded to Chinnor, they catch and drive somehow lose possession and Old Regeitains clear there lines kicking ball to half way line. Harry Hillier runs through and sets ball for ruck to be formed Quick ball from Dan Cundy to James Cathcart who kicks into corner. A shocking and unfortunate bounce for the cover Old Reigatian defence allows Ryan Collins to pounce for his second try. 0-32. On 58 min Matt Smith scores on his full debut no doubt the first of many. Driving scrummage in opposition 22 Adam Hastings picks and goes, pops ball to Smithy who scores. James Cathcart converts 0-39. Chinnor do not add any more points until the final play of the day. Another driving scrummage from the forward is rewarded with Adam dropping over the line. Final score 0-44.

Overall this was a good team performance with 2s starting debut being rewarded to Dan Cundy and Matt Smith, which is showing the depth of the club. A special mention to the forwards who all had a great game dominating set piece giving the platform for the backs to score and break the game line time and time again, scoring a total of 8 tries and great defensive work not allowing the opposition to score.
Match reporter man of match this week goes to Max. Williams showed great hunger and energy around the pitch turning over ball, great support and solid performance.

To play a match we a need a referee, a special mention to him who provided a unique way of communicating with both teams which bought laughter and smiles all around the pitch for spectators and no doubt both sets of players. Thank you Sir and we look forward to the next time. Finally thank you to our hosts Old Reigatians, they showed great team spirit, plugged away through out and showed character to preserver under tough conditions and maybe on another day would have scored.

H. Evans.
Asst Manager of Chinnor Seconds