Chinnor U14 versus Tring U14

Chinnor under 14s showed no ill effects from over indulging during the festive season as they overcame a plucky but in the end outgunned Tring. It was good to see the boys continuing the form from last year with a superb demonstration of their expansive, running game. Freddie S starred in the first stanza with a spectacular hat trick, he seems to have added an extra yard of pace and extra tonne of power to his already daunting attributes and he proved just too much for the opposition to handle. Spurred on by this performance Morgan was obviously determined to match Freddie’s impact and his contribution to the second period was just as telling with devastating attack and defence. But this was far from a two man show as all the boys showed what a fine bunch of players they are developing into.

With the Officer Class of the coaching team away on some horrendous sounding outward bound, mid-life crisis, self-discovery course it was left to the rank and file of the remnants to pick up the reins. We look forward to them arriving en masse next week on their Harley Davidsons. As ever with his bristling urge and penchant for power and control Bridges was chomping at the bit to direct proceedings. His best laid plans however were dealt a severe blow when on the cusp of attaining Sunday Supremo status he was suddenly called away to an urgent domestic crisis. Thankfully for everyone involved the cat did eventually come down from the tree but only in time for Bridges to arrive for the final whistle. Better luck next time.

The boys attacked immediately from the start and were obviously fully focussed. Playing with pace, aggression and skill they were superb throughout. Lovely hands and angles of running put Freddie through a gap for his first and second tries. An excellently executed front peel from a lineout 25 metres out confused the defence and saw Tom C storm over.
Charlie S now entered proceedings and again exploited a gap after nice quick hands through the backs to score under the posts. It was a delight to see the boys take calculated risks by handling on their own line and trusting their skills to pass under pressure and move the ball wide. This led to Freddie’s 3rd try after he was released with 80 metres to run. This expansive play would not be possible if it wasn’t for the work at the coalface from the boys upfront where Oscar W, James and Tom C were especially prominent. Superb work in the tight from Jaco, Joe and Ted and superb darts from Seb. Half time saw the boys 5-1 up and a full team change for the second game.

This started with even more than a bang than the 1st with 2 quick fire tries in the space of the opening 3 minutes. Morgan was proving too hot handle and Nathan stormed over for 2 stunning tries showing skill and good support lines along with his blistering pace. Will C was dictating play extremely well and his aggressive defence led to many turnovers for Ben C, and Churchy to exploit. A couple of superb team tries especially when Jake showed pace and intelligence to link with his support and Tom B finally dummied a valiant Tom C tackle attempt were the highlights. Second half finished 4-1.

A special mention for the contribution of Tom C. He had his usual outstanding game in the first half but then played part of the second half for Tring, where he lifted his game another notch. His tireless work in defence and attack was an example to all and having been left flat footed is his attempt to prevent a Chinnor try he had the last laugh with a trademark surge through his teammates to score Tring’s only try. Well done Tom, a Herculean effort.
Hopefully the boys will build on this top effort and continue to improve on their skills, fitness but most importantly, attitude.
By John Vaughn