Chinnor U13s Claim Oxfordshire County Cup

Sunday, 28th April 9.30am and the boys gathered in the Wallingford RFC changing rooms ahead of their first Cup final as Juniors. There was a noticable tension in the air, especially amongst the coaches! There definitely wasn't the usual lively banter amongst the boys. The U13s had had a successful season and really did believe they could emerge as County champions for the 3rd year in a row. A pre-warm up talk from Carl - destiny, greatness, look back on this in years to come, that sort of thing - was met with steely concentration from the boys. Out on the 1st XV pitch for warm-up and it was clear they meant business.

Meanwhile the crowds gathered and gathered; parents, fellow U13 players (fantastic to see their support - thank you), photographers and lots of nervous energy.

Back in the changing room. Maks Zychowicz was awarded the captains badge; a real honour and well deserved - certainly a young man to lead from the front. With a bright red scrum cap he was never going to be missed.

11am. Chinnor U13s have a habit of starting slowly and so it was today. Witney certainly started with zeal and their forwards signaled from the off that they meant business. The wind was in Witney's favour and they knew they needed points in the first half. They pressed inside the Chinnor half with strong forward runs and strategic kicking. 15m out Witney were awarded a penalty; a quick tap and the runner was met by a flying Finn Pietersen determined not to let him pass. The result was a kick at goal (which missed) and Finn taking a small break. Then came one of two defining moments in the game. Witney's pack came to within inches of the line and time-and-time again the Chinnor boys held them out until eventually stealing the ball and sending Witney back down the pitch. The second defining moment was a try-saving tackle by Sam Nicholls on their winger sprinting down the sideline. Defence has always been one of Chinnor U13s great assets.

Witney attacked again and were awarded a penalty in front which was kicked. 0-3 at half time.

With the wind at their backs Chinnor started the second half with real determination; dominated Witney's pack and making repeated in-roads through their backs. It is a credit to Witney's defence that they repeatedly foiled Chinnor's attacks. With Chinnor's back row really fired up and a joy to watch, it was only a matter of time and after a sustained period of attack, Rory Pearce muscled his way over which was converted by Sam Nicholls. 7-3. From that point on Chinnor's tails were up and after some more entertaining rugby, Finn Pietersen finished of a move started by Lawrence Burkitt. Conversion, this time much more difficult, by Sam Nicholls. 14-3.

Rugby is a team game and none more so than today. Every boy in the team put in 100% and each felt the elation of victory. Boys who started the game were replaced by other boys determined to make their mark.

The game was a delight to watch. Absolutely nothing in it in the first half with Witney taking the honours. Chinnor coming back in the second half and delivering some lovely running attacking rugby. Witney never gave up and the result could easily have been closer. Two very talented teams played each other today and junior rugby was definitely the winner.