Chinnor U14s versus Oxford Harlequins

Chinnor U14’s vs Oxford Quinns – Final score 41 – 7 to Chinnor

Given recent county cup results and past meetings between these two teams, on paper this was looking to be one of the toughest games Chinnor would have in this seasons county cup competition, especially in wet and windy conditions, and it didn’t disappoint.

Oxford Quins could only muster 13, with a player from the other visiting team, Bicester, a 14 a side match got under way at 11am with a county referee officiating.

In the first 5-7 minutes Chinnor seemed a little polite and timid as Quins attacked across a number of phases, but some great work from the Chinnor forwards, Tom C, Matty N, Jake C, Tom R etc. Chinnor managed to hold out and forced a mistake from Quinns. This mistake was seized upon by Chinnor for the first of seven (7) tries on the day, Chinnor had woken up, game on!

The defensive line speed from Chinnor was impressive throughout the game, putting Quins under pressure and stoping any game plan they may have had. Although, with a number of very strong runners across the Quinns squad, the threat of a breakaway was always there, so the defensive press was critical and was well executed by Chinnor, with trade mark strong tackling across the board and excellent jackling at the breakdowns. This pressure forced errors from Quins that Chinnor capitalised on with more tries. Chinnor were immense in the scrum which created space in open play and offered chances for both wingers (Jake M and Ted D) and solo centre (Freddie S) to cross the white wash.

Towards the end of the first half Quinns got the ball wide to the right wing. With only the Chinnor full back to beat, Jimmy Leach lined himself up and didn’t miss the tackle with an optional use of his arms!

The one-time Chinnor didn’t press or missed some tackles the Quins centre (Josh) broke through and scored under the posts, chased all the way, and very nearly caught by Ted Dewer. Who knew he was faster than a speeding bullet!

The last 10 minutes of the second half Quins knew they were beaten and seemed to lose their shape and crumble.

Overall a physical game that was great to watch from the touch line. A very strong performance across the entire Chinnor team. A thoroughly well-deserved win and an excellent unbeaten run in the league.

Try Scorers: Tom Clifford x 2, Jake Millar x 2, Ted Dewer x 1, Joseph Vaughan x 1 and Freddie Skinner x 1.

Conversion: Ed Bailey x 3

By Robert Skinner