Chinnor U14s versus Bicester

Chinnor reverted to the old days of slow starts with a lack of focus and aggression from the kick off. The good news was they awoke from their slumber after only 2 minutes 35 seconds, the bad news was they were already an incredible 0-19 down. The boys did display immense team spirit and no little skill to claw this deficit back, and remarkably took the lead in the second half. Ultimately with no replacements to call on they eventually succumbed 31-38 to a good Bicester team, who had many fresh legs off the bench, in this pulsating encounter. Both sides gave their all, running, competing and tackling themselves to a standstill in this 11- try thriller.

Special mention must go to the Chinnor front five of Archie, George, Guy, Joe L and Joe G who never took a backward step against a far bigger and heavier opposition. They competed ferociously at the breakdown and in the tight to give the backs a platform to launch the fightback. They carried, harried and tackled superbly all match.

The boys managed to open their account after good, quick ball was transferred quickly to Nathan to score. Charlie then ran a superb line from a slick move to rampage through the defence, giving a great impression of a young Jonah Lomu as he scattered many would be defenders in his wake. The fight back was now well and truly on, 12-19. However, Chinnor were having continued problems coping with the running power of Bicester’s excellent Captain at outside centre. Only a couple of superb last ditch tackles from Nathan denied the visitors extending their lead. Also conspicuous for Bicester was their huge prop, son of former Chinnor 1st XV star number 8 Joe Kava. He made several in roads but Guy was seemingly on a one man mission to stop him in his tracks and pulled off many memorable tackles.

Early in the second half from a series of attacks Jaco spotted space down the blind side and his twinkle toes danced daringly close to the touchline as he evaded several tackles to score a fine individual try. Chinnor were now in the lead and in touching distance of a famous victory. The game seemed to increase in pace and passion in the last quarter as both teams threw everything into the fray, rucking, counter rucking and carrying with ferocity. Unfortunately, as the boys tired the weak tackling of the first couple of minutes returned and Bicester struck back to take the victory.

Apart from the opening 155 seconds the boys should be proud of the effort and determination they displayed. It was a difficult week for Grant juggling 2 teams with an ever, increasing injury list, but to put both teams out and play parallel matches of such quality was a great testament to the depth and indefatigability of the squad. The boys should reflect on the start of the match and realise what intensity is needed, and how to improve their defence both individual and collective.
By John Vaughn