Blistering start to the U15s season

Chinnor Under 15s began their season on blistering form with a display of power and pace that was simply too much for Wallingford to handle. Given the privilege of playing their first match on the hallowed turf of the 1st XV pitch the boys produced a performance worthy of the setting running in 9 scintillating tries, 6 converted by Freddie. This gave many of the large crowd the uplift they needed as many looked more than slightly peaky after the indulgences of Saturday’s Beerfest.

Chinnor showed their desire to attack from anywhere early on when the ball was turned over in the 2nd minute deep into their territory. Quick, neat passing and straight running lines released Nathan on the right wing in space and the try was the inevitable result as he scorched past his opposite to score from 65 metres. There’s some large, wide open spaces on the big pitch and the boys utilised these with expert precision. From a typical Tom C rampaging run the ball was recycled quickly and again put through the hands, Joseph V released Nathan again with a clever back door offload and after beating several defenders Nathan fed Ed B on a lovely inside supporting line, 14-0.

Attacks were now coming in waves as Chinnor stretched the opposition defence, handling was magnificent between backs and forwards and the plucky opposition defence was overwhelmed. The quick ball that the backs thrived on was due to superb support and clearing out by the forwards, where Ben C , Guy , TomR and the Wellbeloves were prominent. From another sweeping move Freddie powered over for the first of his hat trick, 19-0.

Some indiscipline entered Chinnor’s game and gave the visitors an opportunity to get back into the match through a series of penalties. Some excellent rear guard defence seemed to repel the attack, especially some big tackles from Matty Ng and Joe L. However, Wallingford opened their account from short range.

This spurred the boys back into action and a superb hanging restart was expertly pouched by Tom C who charged deep into the 22. Quick ball again and Tom B fed Freddie, who was in for his second., 26-5. Another breath taking attack from deep eventually ended when Tom C judged a grubber to perfection for Nathan to notch his brace.. 31-5 at half time.

The second half started in similar vein as the boys now also had the benefit of the conditions. A quick dart from 9 by James H , whose service was immaculate, saw Wilf expertly release Jake who stood his man up and sprinted down the touchline for a classic wingers score., 38-5. Freddie then completed his hat trick in rumbustious fashion as he shrugged off several defenders to crash over, following a big break from Jimmy L.

Wallingford were now given the opportunity to finish the match under the mercy rule but their Captain and team pluckily chose to play on, well done to them. They played with fight and spirit all match and had some sustained periods of pressure. Again super defence, Seb and Ben F put in some big tackles, saw Chinnor win a turnover behind their own line and launch an audacious attack. The ball was moved to Nathan who ran deep into Wallingford’s half and after a quick recycle and good hands from the support Tom C hit a lovely line to score a wonderful team try.

The final score was again launched from deep . From a penalty on their own line Freddie saw space and kicked down field. He showed great stamina and desire to chase his kick , tackle the defender, get back to his feet and jackal the ball and then feed Joseph V for an easy trot to the line.

The boys have set the bar very high after such a superb all round performance. Power, pace and skill matched with super fitness levels and decision making give them something to aspire to for the rest of the season and the challenges ahead.