Chinnor find new league a different proposition

Chinnor IV’s first league game of the new season saw them host Wheatley 1’s in their new league, Bucks, Berks and Oxon 1 North. A bright, warm day greeted both sides as they took to the pitch. Chinnor had a few faces missing due to transfers. One stalwart in particular, Richard “Jabba the” Hutt recently returning to his home planet. Fortunately for Chinnor though, new face Richard “New” New was soon cleaning up in the second row alongside all the other tellytubbies.

A game of attrition soon developed as both sides refused to let the other close to their line. Unable to penetrate the home sides defence, Wheatley were awarded, then converted a Penalty to take the lead in the first quarter.

The constant defence soon took it’s toll, as first Tom “The Younger “ Hewson was injured, then “Scaff” took a blow to the head and had to be escorted off the pitch. Even with replacements “Shakespeare” and Craig Dalziel “And Pascoe”, Chinnor were still temporarily down to 13 Men.
Upping their game the home side drove hard into Wheatley’s 22. The intense pressure told and Chinnor were then awarded a penalty. Rob “Dawn” French made no mistake and levelled the scores, 3-3.

Half time drew nigh and stern words were heard in the Chinnor huddle. These words and the knowledge that they were under the auspicious gaze of team legend Andy “The Tourist” Gilmore, spurned them on. The only 4th team in the league had to show their intent, and show it now.

A lineout on Wheatley’s 22 was collected by “Potter”. Shane “Big cook little cook” Ellis found “Dawn” who in turn set Kris “Critter” Williams off at a blistering pace. An overlap developed as Benny “Saville” Rowe found contact. “New” New was in support but isolated as two Angels in the form of Mike “Thunderclap” Newman and “Voldemort” descended. Snapping on blindside with some unique footwork, “Thunderclap” touched down to take the lead for Chinnor, 8-3.

Wheatley came back hard and fast but were repelled each time. They had just encroached into the Chinnor 10 when a penalty was conceded. Additional comments saw 10m added to enable Wheatley to convert rather than kick to touch, 8-6.

The minutes ticked down but Chinnor held firm. Elation as the ball was kicked to touch after final play. A better performance, but lots to work on for the weeks ahead in the new league.

Scorers:
Tries: Mike "Thunderclap" Newman
Penalty: Rob "Dawn" French