Despite the persistent heavy wind and rain, Chinnor U13s hit High Wycombe hard with 3 tries in the first 10 minutes from Callum W, Jack E and Charlie K (or possibly Matt S – spectators couldn’t agree). Harry L did well to convert into the teeth of the storm bringing the score to 17 – 0. The opposition spent a lot of time bemusedly watching Jack Ellis’ knees go by or trying to tackle a virtually unstoppable Iestyn, who shook off attackers like a dog coming out of the sea. When they did get the ball they were pummelled into submission by Finn’s fearsome tackling. As the first half drew to a close, Wycombe roused from their stupor and started pushing back. Chinnor held them steady with strong runs from Charlie K and Jack E, Matthew’s lovely kick for touch and unrelenting tackles from Finn, who must have been cloned because he seemed to be everywhere at once. A Wycombe player, obviously slick from the rain, slipped past the defense to score just before the half time whistle. Score 17 – 5.

Chinnor then took their foot off the gas as Wycombe scored a quick try and converted (score 17 – 12), collapsing under the pressure like an undercooked blancmange. With sluggish passing down the line and lacklustre defense, the tide was turning. Strong runs by Iestyn, hard fought play by Jack E and Charlie K and crunching tackles by James M, Matthew S and Alistair M weren’t enough to keep Wycombe from camping out on Chinnor’s try line. Jack E’s spectacular run down the length of the pitch finally took the play to the Wycombe line. Some of the spectators expressed concern about the ref’s eyesight as he seemed to be able to see things that no one else could, but he saw well enough to watch Wycombe fight their way back and score a third try to level the score. Organised play melted into scrappy, messy action and the attacking line dissolved as spectators looked on, with players clumping around the ball like a bunch of minis. The final whistle was greeted with relief by players and spectators alike. Final score: a hard fought 17 – 17 draw.