Chinnor U14s versus Aylesbury

Freddie Skinner’s blistering return from injury was just too much for a committed Aylesbury on Sunday at Kingsey Road. A superb exhibition by both teams was played at a ferocious pace as schoolmate went at schoolmate with no holds barred in order to take the bragging rights on Monday morning. However, it was to be Skinner’s intervention in the second stanza which was to prove the difference between the two teams. His lethal combination of power, pace and foot work combined with six weeks of pent up frustration was a cocktail the visiting defence couldn’t live with. He was to end with a fantastic hat trick of tries, several conversions that eventually settled the contest in Chinnor’s favour.

Aylesbury started the game well and deservedly took the lead with some very strong running from their dangerous outside backs. Uncharacteristically sluggish the home side were falling off tackles and aimlessly kicking away possession to the pacey visitors. Chinnor would have conceded several more tries if it wasn’t for the heroic defence of Jimmy L at fullback, he pulled off a number of try saving tackles with great bravery and impeccable technique. James H battled well and he and Danny and Huw got the ball away nicely from the breakdowns.

Chinnor did manage to get back into the game after good work from the pack showing more focus and aggression ended with Charlie S exploiting a gap out wide and charging over for his regulation try. It’s a pity it had taken the boys so long to up their game and realise the intensity Aylesbury had bought with them. However, the shift they put in during the final 20 minutes paid dividends later for our 2nd team to reap. Aylesbury had certainly stacked their 1st team which meant the second game was going to be more one sided.

A resolute talking to at half time meant the second team were not going to be lacking in intensity and aggression. This was immediately obvious when a nicely played move from a good clean lineout saw Skinner smash through the midfield defence for his first try.

Excellent line speed in defence from the backrow with Morgan and George W a constant menace put the visitors under pressure. The two of them seemed to be everywhere in attack and defence, winning turnovers and linking play. A forlorn Aylesbury player was heard to say ‘ Why is Morgan so good, it’s just not fair!’ Morgan picked from number 8, went blind and shrugged off the cover to score. Skinner picked up a dropped pass and stormed over for number 2, quickly followed by his third after a mazy, side stepping run.

Chinnor were now playing an expansive game with Joseph V and Will C forming a very effective double play maker midfield. They varied their deep array of attacking options very well, if Skinner wasn’t causing havoc in the centre Alfie and Jake were running dangerous lines out wide. A nice move in midfield released Jake in space but with 65 metres to the line. He’s like a spinning top almost impossible to put down with his change of direction at pace, he left a trail of defenders to score a superb try.

Alfie on the left wing was proving a powerful and quick handful for his opposite numbers and when he’s into his stride and up to full pace he’s a frightening proposition. He stormed over for a real winger’s brace, identifying the gaps and sprinting for the line.

Overall a good win, showing excellent team spirit to come back against a physical and well drilled opposition. Chinnor’s AGS contingent would have been grinning as they entered the school gates on Monday morning and maybe it’s a good thing the clash of the titans, AGS v Lord Bills, due to be played on Saturday was postponed. We do want a team against High Wycombe!