With sun, rain and wind in equal measure at different times during the match, the Chinnor Colts stepped up to the plate to see off a Redingensian Rams team. With Chinnor boasting 35 players fit and ready to go, and only 22 from the visitors, the format was hastily changed from two concurrent matches to one game of three halves.
In the first half, Chinnor put out a mixed 'Blue' team, captained by Harry B. They started playing in sunshine only for the heavens to open twenty minutes into the game. There were solid performances from the pack, with rucks sealed off and good support given to runners. The backs worked well with tries scored by Dylan T (at outside centre), Archie B-G (on the wing) and Josh S (playing at #10). Conversions by Ben S. 19-0.
In the second half, Chinnor played their mixed 'Red' team, captained by Charlie Mc. Again, a joined up performance from the Chinnor Colts with Tom F (at #6) and Toby C (at inside centre) both going over the whitewash to score. Not to be outdone, Josh R (at outside centre) scored twice with conversions by Chris B. 26-0 for the period.
In the final half, Chinnor put out a further mixed team, including returning players Archie C and Alfie C, as well as those who had been on the bench. If the score so far suggests an easy ride, it would be misleading. Rams Colts played hard and attacked at every opportunity. Loose ball was pounced upon and they worked hard to retain the ball in contact. The visitors were successful in breaking Chinnor's defence once to score an uncoverted try. Scorers for Chinnor Colts were Archie C, Dylan T and Max M. Conversions by Ben S. 17-5 for the half.
The final score was 62-5 and this due to Chinnor's teamwork and workrate. The Colts welcome Ollie J who had his debut run-out for the club. Credit goes to the Rams Colts who contested throughout and conducted themselves well. The visitors were missing a number of players and no doubt be tougher to beat at home. Both clubs meet again for an OBB Division 1 league fixture in January.
Attendance: 80
Referee: Mr Scott De Weyman (OSRFR)
Blue Team
15 Ben S
14 Archie B-G
13 Dylan T
12 Joe H
11 Will F
10 Josh S
9 Dan M
1 Adam M
2 Harry B (C)
3 Louis A
4 Ben G
5 Rich B
6 Finn S
7 Oliver J
8 George L
Red Team
15 Eddie C
14 Ollie S
13 Josh R
12 Toby C
11 Jude H
10 Chris B
9 Josh S
1 Shaun B
2 Harry R
3 Charlie Mc (C)
4 Ed M
5 Magnus P
6 Tom F
7 Archie D
8 Max M
Replacements
Archie C
Ben M
Henry S
Gus B
Joshua S
Injured / unavailable
Ollie S
Sam G
Owen B
Sam T
Josh A
Ollie D
Max B
Rosco R
Will V