Smarting from a narrow defeat in our first league match of the season, we travelled to Old Patesians for our first U18 National Colts Cup match of 2015-16. The breakdown was contested fiercely from the kickoff, with both sides taking time to get into a rhythm and stop giving away penalties. Although Chinnor gave away a penalty try for playing the opposition scrum half, Charlie Nicholls racked up three penalties within the first twenty minutes. The game opened up with Chinnor creating overlaps but failing to capitalise. However, the referee lost patience with Old Patesians and sent one of their forwards to the bin for ten minutes. With no further score, Chinnor reached the interval two points ahead.

Chinnor turned on the skills from the start of the second half, moving the ball out to both wings. The supporters enjoyed mazy running from Prosser, clever kicks from Aston and much better support in general, including sweet linking play from the back row. The fluid play was rewarded by a try for Tolley, finishing off fine offloading play from Preston and Hall. Although Chinnor were dominant in the scrum, they were matched if not bettered in the lineout. Old Patesians rucked well against us but fell foul our choke tackle turnovers on several occasions.

Chinnor picked up two further penalties amongst a number of missed attempts. With just over ten minutes to go, Old Patesians swiched direction and beat two front five forwards for pace, scorching through for a try that brought them back to five points behind. Chinnor’s defence was strong and as the second half progressed, Old Patesian’s resorted to a kicking game. Despite picking up a yellow card, Chinnor grafted for the last ten minutes to keep the ball in Old Patesian’s 22. A number of breakouts made for a stressful last five minutes but Old Patesian’s could not get through Chinnor’s defence. The final whistle was blown and Chinnor celebrated a hard-fought win.

Scoring

01 min 0-3 Penalty Chinnor (Nicholls)

07 min 7-3 Penalty try Old Patesians

11 min 7-6 11 Penalty Chinnor (Nicholls)

16 mins 7-9 Penalty Chinnor (Nicholls)

HT 7-9

44 min 7-12 Penalty Chinnor (Nicholls)

50 min 7-17 50 Try Chinnor (Tolley)

56 mins 10-17 Penalty Old Patesians

62 mins 10-20 Penalty Chinnor (Nicholls)

68 mins 15-20 Try Old Patesians