February the 7th saw Chinnor Wild Boys visit the home of Witney 2's, a massive game with a chance of creeping back up the table and getting back into the mix of things.
Chinnor were without their talisman and leader George White with also brother Thomas White unavailable due to both attending a family members birthday gathering. The influential Rob Nichols was also unable to make the trip, saying this Chinnor had numbers in the depth with Ryan Collins and Guy Hackshaw stepping down from the 2's . The ever experienced Mad Mike filled into the front row and there was rare return from Doctor Ben. Wild Will Taylor claimed the Captains armband which prompt much questioning after he turned up 30 minutes late before kick off because of a hangover . All that said and done Chinnor were at full strength and confidence going into the game after last weekends hammering of Oxford Harlequins.
Chinnors game plan was to get physical and into their opponents faces from the get go which seemed to work for the first 20 minutes with many penalties and unforced errors conceded by the hosts. Having said that Chinnor struggled to keep their own discipline throughout the whole game. With a Chinnor player illegally having their hands in a ruck gave an easy opportunity right in front of the posts for Witney to put the first points on the board . Continuing the mind games, Mark Bradburn decided to get into the Witneys kickers head by saying out load that 'he would miss the kick', following laughters from both sides, it turned out that the kicker did actually miss and shanked it wide of the posts resulting a smug grin from Bradders. No score.
Chinnor gained some territory. with a penalty they decided to kick into touch. From the resulting line out Chinnor claimed the ball and pushed towards the opponents try line, with great determination Chinnor were rewarded a try, Doctor Ben touching down for the visitors, conversion slotted, 7-0 to Chinnor .
The stunned Witney Decided to pile on the pressure, Chinnor spent the remainder of the 1st half defending resiliently. Under the cosh Witney then got the ball wide through the hands giving their full back a easy try into to corner. Conversion missed 7-5. Half time.
The 2nd half wasn't a great watch for the spectators, being very stop start with many sloppy penalties and knock ons creeping into both teams game. Chinnor were rewarded with yet another penalty in the opposing 22 and again kicked to touch. With the same as the first half Chinnor claimed the ball and charged towards the try line, this time Mark Bradburn touching down for what he and all other players on the pitch thought was a certain try, only for the referee to disallow it for being 'held up'. You could sense the disappointment from the Chinnor players, heads began to drop and the pendulum started to swing the other way. With Chinnor defending in their own half again, Witney began to attack with force recycling the ball quickly they spread it wide where they crossed for a second try, conversion missed 10-7.
The Wild Boys regrouped, with inspirational words from Bradders, Wild Bill and Jon Goodson, Chinnor seemed to be up for the fight again and began to attack from the re-start. With many phases in Witneys half Chinnor seemed to lack the killer instinct that they showed in recent weeks and couldn't break the line of defence, frustration crept in and again Chinnor lost ground and found themselves back in their own half. From a high ball Witneys full back claimed the ball, side stepping a few players he found himself one on one with Pathetic Pete Way who he passed with ease to go on and score Witneys 3rd and final try. Luckily for Chinnor, Witney didn't have a recognised kicker and third conversion was missed. Chinnor again pressed but nothing seem to click for the boys today and the game ended 15-7. The Chinnor boys defended like they have done all season, Spartan like according to Mark Bradburn. Full credit to all the boys that gave it their all against another good well organised and drilled team. Next up for the Wild boys is a trip to Redingensians on the 21st.

Man of the Match: Doctor Ben

Mare of the match: Dan Cundy

You know you love me
Gossip Girl
x o x o