A SUPERB SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE FALLS SHORT ---- ONLY JUST!

REDINGENSIANS MOVE CLOSER TO THE TITLE AS A SUPERB SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE FALLS SHORT ……….. ONLY JUST!

This match was a must win match for the team and early possession was eagerly fought between both teams. The Penalty count was very high to start with both teams missing early attempts at goal. The first score is to Redingensians on 8minutes following a kick through behind Chinnor defence. Redingensians pick ball up a loose ball to score under the posts and convert 7-0. The game becomes very disjointed with a high penalty count against both teams preventing the game to flow. On 26 minutes Redingensians score again, The ball spills out of the blind side of a ruck and an alert and quick reaction from Redingensians run into the corner, with the conversion narrowly missing, 12-0. Chinnor are still in the game and start putting pressure on the scrummage and dominate the forwards. On 30 minutes from a scrummage Chinnor are awarded another penalty and kick to touch. The line out is within the attacking 22 metre, Chinnor decide to catch and drive keeping possession the ball is passed by Reece Boughton into midfield and the ball is spread quickly back into corner for Robbie Martey to score 12-5. Redingensians game plan is to keep the ball with the forwards as much as possible to get pass the game line. They score again on 35 minutes, a solid scrummage they gain possession and play through some phases. They spread the ball wide and score in the corner to extend their lead 19-5. Half time approaches and Chinnor regroup and discuss the need to retain the ball and keep possession better, confidence is high and we are still in the game.

The second half starts with much higher intensity, improved phases and possession. Pressure is now starting to mount on the Redingensians defence. On 55 minutes Chinnor score their second try,from the line out a catch and drive the ball is driven over the whitewash for Dave McKee to score and George Grose converts. Chinnor are back in this match and are starting to control the game. On 62 minutes from another line out on the edge of 22 metre line the ball is retained through some phases with the forwards, the ball is then spread into midfield with Harry Bomber Hillier cutting a nice line to score 19-17. Chinnor continue to control the game but time is running out. They are awarded a penalty in front of goal,George Grose successfully kicks the ball over and Chinnor take the lead for the first time in the match with 2 minutes remaining 19-20. Redingensians restart and come straight back at Chinnor, A knock on at restart Redingensians playing advantage show great desire and urgency march towards our line. A blitz defence by Chinnor leaves a gap which is taken by Redingensians to score under the posts.

Final score 26-20.

The team should be proud of their second half performance and on reflection should have won this match with a little more luck and first half game management. As usual the boys gave their all,the Reece Boughton and Matt Mountford partnership worked, Martin Nutt and Nathan Napier in mid field played well and went over the game line time and time again. All three wingers looked dangerous when ball was in hand. The forwards, Jon Lavin's commitment and leadership, Max Williams in the loose, Sam Blewit in the line out, Matt Smith's impact as substitute were outstanding. Reporters Man of the match this week is Simone Carloni, great scrummaging and all round performance in the loose.

Our next fixture is Grove in the semi- final of the Oxfordshire cup and a solid performance based on the second half will no doubt be needed.

Lastly, thank you for your hospitality in your new facilities which was appreciated by all and baring complete melt down, congratulations to Redingensians who should now win the title.
H