U13 Chinnor 10 v Aylesbury 34

Last Sunday's performance was a stark contrast to the 50-5 loss to Aylesbury a few weeks ago. In brilliant sunshine, Chinnor ran onto the pitch with a determination to close down their strong runners and dominate the game.

From the start their resolve was tested and Chinnor parents and coaches alike were bouyed by Chinnor's performance. They dominated the loose ball, rucking and mauling with real vigour. The injection of Chapman and Nixon into the pack provided much needed intensity and "go forward" attitude which the rest of the pack followed. Church at scrum half was everywhere and his and Chapman's darting runs were a hallmark of the game.

Aylesbury were clear in their game plan: to get the ball out wide to allow their two strong backs room to move. The game's first try came from just such a move with the Chinnor players realising very quickly that just one missed tackle is all it takes. After the kick off, Chinnor responded and after some repeated backs phases, Abrahams sprinted away from the defence to score. Then followed a long period of play which oscillated either end of the pitch. Aylesbury's two key runners always threatened to break though and achived this just before the half. The halftime score was 2 tries to 1.

Both team, parents and coaches then gathered on the halfway, forming one large connected circle, for two minutes of silence in remembrance of those fallen in the wars.

The frailties of Chinnor's tackling were shown up in the second half with five further tries from Aylesbury. Some excellent work by the forwards and some desperate cover tackling meant that Aylesbury were unable to extend their lead. Injuries however meant Chinnor was reduced to 13 players.

Towards the end of the half, Chinnor found renewed heart and repeatedly pressed the Aylesbury try line; Nixon coming close twice, Allers held up after a 15 metre breakaway run, Rumble also battering the line but being pushed back. Church finally received his reward for an excellent game by scoring Chinnor's second try. Final score was 35-10.