Chinnor Colts hold off London Irish

In glorious sunshine, 32 Chinnor Colts took to the field for the opening match of the season. London Irish had travelled from Sunbury with equivalent numbers and two even sides were put out by both clubs.

On pitch 2, the Chinnor Red team prevailed in their first half 17-5 with the scoring opened by Jude Hamilton who ran on to a well timed kicked. At the same time on pitch 3, the Chinnor Blue team won their first half 12-5 with tries from Josh Smith and WIll Favors.

At half time, a number of players changed teams and positions, and the match on pitch 3 saw Chinnor come off second best 5-12, whist on pitch 2, a strengthened visitors' team was beaten 12-0.

The main point of note was the overall work rate by the Chinnor players, especially in defence. Mentions go to Dan Metcalf for a great supporting run to score from a Max Moody No8 pickup, Max Bridges for playing out of position in the front row and the combination of Chris Bond and Joe Hick who shipped the ball to enable Josh Smith to get on the scoreboard.

Both matches were exciting to watch. There were times where the players were putting their newly-practiced moves into action and some more expansive play! What was satisfying from a spectator and coaching point of view was that the players were supporting each other and trying to play fast attacking running rugby. This early in the season, there is much promise in the Colts squad.

Thanks go to London Irish who played well, the coaching team (led today by Jake Ashby and Matt Marley), our referees Mr Rob Alexander (Bucks) & Mr Nigel Gibson (Oxon) and to the large number of supporters who turned out for this first match of the season.

STARTING RED TEAM
15 Henry Stainton
14 Ollie Sparkes
13 Archie Benson-Gaunt
12 Toby Cook
11 Jude Hamilton
10 Ollie Speake (C)
9 Sam Thorby
1 Shaun Bedwell
2 Harry Riley
3 Charlie McIntosh
4 Gus Burnett
5 Sam Gilbert
6 Tom Forrest
7 Archie Davies
8 Max Moody
Replacements: Josh Alexander

STARTING BLUE TEAM
15 Ben Smith
14 Eddie Cullen
13 Josh Smith
12 Joe Hick
11 Will Favors
10 Chris Bond
9 Max Bridges
1 Josh Smith
2 Harry Beadon (C)
3 Louis Atkins
4 Magnus Pridmore
5 Rich Blackwell
6 Ben Mulholland
7 Ed Maisey
8 George Loft
Replacements: Dan Metcalf

Unavailable / injured: Owen Billings, Ben Golding, Dylan Taylor, Josh Reed, Finn Shearman, Jake Graham, Joe Chapman, Adam Morris