Chinnor U14s 29 – St Olave’s 24

Chinnor Unders 14s scored in the last minute to snatch a thrilling win 29-24 against a
talented and determined St Olave’s school under lights on Tuesday evening. Trailing 19-0
after 25 minutes the home side showed passion, commitment and team spirit in abundance
to claw themselves back into a winning position.
St Olave’s started the match with a bang and utilised their large and powerful runners close
to the ruck to make some big dents. They also had some extreme pace out wide so any
missed tackle or conceded possession caused big headaches for the home defence.
Although the first period was quite evenly contested the visiting touring team took their
chances well and were good value for their convincing lead.
Regrouping at half time and reminded by the coaching team to play to our expansive game
plan the fightback started quickly. Moving the ball further from the breakdown and linking
play more smartly meant gaps started to appear. Ben Warner was a danger with his quick
feet and linked well with his support. Nathan continued in his sparkling form this season and
was just the person to exploit these spaces. His combination of acceleration, footwork and
sustained pace proved too much for the opposition and he ended the match with a superb
hat trick. His first was a trademark bust through the middle and a 60 metre dash to the line.
Charlie S was also having a huge say in the proceedings and he took a lovely line from a
clever switch in midfield to barrel his way over. Charlie was a constant menace with ball in
hand and also put several huge tackles in, which really seemed to lift his team mates. His
yardage after contact and refusal to be tackled sucked in many defenders and increased
space for the rest of the team. Charlie must have been watching the first team closely over
the years as his next try was reminiscent of a Ben Manning charge. He ran hard at the line
and took the ball from Danny at top speed to blitz his way through several would be tacklers
and storm to the line.
This was now definitely game on at 17- 19 but St O’s struck back again when a wayward
kick was picked up by the extremely dangerous winger and in American Football kick
returner style he ran it back to score and increase the lead, 17-24.
The boys though were not for lying down and redoubled their efforts. Joe G was having his
best game of the season at the coalface, tackling doggedly and winning a couple of crucial
turnovers. From one of these the ball was shipped out to Nathan who made another superb
outside break and scorched in under the posts. Ed B converted to square the scores with a
few minutes left.
Chinnor threw everything into attack, Danny was releasing the backs really well with his
quick service and work rate to get to the breakdowns. After a series of phases Nathan was
again unleashed with a sniff of an opportunity, that’s all he needs as he again showed his
pace and nose for the line and crashed over in the corner. Chinnor took the lead for the
first time.

True to the endeavour from both sides in this pulsating match St O’s launched a last
desperate attack from deep. Nathan showed the other side of his game with an excellent
tackle just 5 yards from the line after a big break from the opposition 13. St O’s pounded
away at the line but Chinnor’s defiance was resolute with some fierce tackling from Church
and Blackwell. A knock on meant the end of wonderful game, superb entertainment for the
large crowd and an excellent advert for rugby from both sides.
The boys then hosted their opposites in the club house. Some good speeches from coaches
and captains, a nice feed for the boys, swapping of pennants and appreciative applause
from the parents ended a memorable evening. We thank St Olave’s and really hope we see
them again.

By J Vaughn