Chinnor IV’s hosted local rivals Bicester this week. Both sides took to the pitch on a bright, freezing day. With many regular faces missing, the home side were fortunate to be able to field a number of fresh faces, including Gary “Glitter” Whelan standing in for Terry “And June” Chappell. Josh “Don’t go into the“ Woodeson, helping out Rupert “Biggin” Hill at 9, and Rob “Dawn” French filling “Getya” Dickinson’s boots.

The first few minutes ticked away and both sides tested each other. The temperature dropped even further, and the ball became coated in thin ice. Fortunately with several players on fire, a thaw ensued and Chinnor started to look threatening.

A scrum inside Bicesters half saw the ball out from “Don’t go into the” Woodeson to “Dawn” French. A neatly timed pass to “Critter” Williams saw the keen center crash , then break the defence and angle right to go pass the fullback and touch down to take the lead, 5-0.

With steady work and patience, Chinnor kept their lines and worked their way forward yet again. A series of breakdowns drew in the Bicester defence each time, until Chinnor were yards from the line. Another ruck and an overlap beckoning, the ball was pushed out right to “Critter” who drew his man and looped a pass to James “Theophilus P. Wildebeest” Connelly who cut in-between defenders to score, 10-0.

Chinnor were confident now. Bicester, never a side to give up, minutes later ran well worked move to split the defence and allow their no. 13 to touch down under the posts, 10-5.
Maintaining the pressure, Chinnor were further rewarded with a penalty on the Bicester 22. This was slotted sweetly by Rob “Dawn” French to give Chinnor a 13-5 lead. A breakdown in the middle of the park, the ball secured and span out to new face Josh “Don’t go in the” Woodeson, who in turn lofted a nice pass out to Gavin “No-Hyphen” Wade-Williams who ran in the corner, 18-5.

Shortly after the break a few changes were made. Super sub George “Whiter than” White came on, making a massive change to the game. Rupert “Biggin” Hill giving “Don’t go in the” Woodeson a rest, soon had everyone in communication.
Also on, making his last appearance before his annual trip to Toyland, was Mark “Coxy” Cox. “Coxy” was soon tested under the high ball by the visiting 10, but managed to hold his own.

Chinnor were being made to work for all their possession now. Solid lifting by Nathan “Webb” Ellis enabled the ever present Richard “Jabba the” Hutt to dominate the lineout.
The workhorse like Mike “Thunderclap” Neuman put in thumping tackle after thumping tackle, pole axing his victims.

This team effort put Chinnor in good positions to attack. Using their backs the home side were gaining good ground. Another attack found James “Maternity” Ward in space, and using Wade-Williams in support, was able to split the defence to add to his teams tally, 23-5.

Not to be outdone by the backs, the Chinnor forwards finally added to the score. A driving move from Gordon “Voldemort” Fennell brought Chinnor within yards of the line, going to ground the ball found Gareth “Left” Hook who drove over with players in support, 30-5.

A game enjoyed by both sides, Bicester were good visitors and commented favourably on their hosts. Ably officiated by old boy, Dave “Thunderbird 2” Hanlon.
The view from the touchline, was described as “cold” by Chinnor stalwart John “Tin” Cann, sidelined with a cold.
Chinnor IV’s face Chipping Norton away this week.