Chinnor Colts travelled to North London, for a third time in as many seasons, albeit with a large committed mixed ability squad – made up very predominantly of Under 17's players.

With an early 11am Saracens Kick Off, Chinnor unfortunately fumbled the catch and allowed the hosts to gather the possession to immediately put Chinnor into several phases of defence. Saracens opted to take an early scrum from their penalty in front of the posts but eventually after several knock-ons Chinnor we able to clear to touch and then regain some ground with a fine box kick by Josh A (at #9) into the Saracens 22. The Saracens defence held initially but after a clearance kick was gathered by Joe H (on the wing), Ben G (#8) was able to find space on the blind side to open the scoring in the corner within the first 10 minutes. The conversion by Chris B was successful. 0-7 Chinnor.

What followed thereafter was a tight midfield battle for a prolonged period of time with neither side finding a way through. Special mention to Rich B for successfully competing at, disrupting and winning many of the Saracen line outs. The deadlock was broken after about half an hour of play with Gus B intercepting a loose Saracens pass at the half way line to score under the posts. Unfortunately the conversion kick went wide. 0-12 Chinnor. From the restart Rich B gathered and Gus B again stormed through the Saracens defence to be tackled on the line but securely score his second try. After an unsuccessful conversion. 0-17 Chinnor and the referee blew for Half Time.

In the second half, following some quick cross field play Gus B quickly seized an opportunity for his hat trick try with a run to the corner, but the conversion fell short. 0-22 Chinnor. Saracens turned up the heat thereafter with some clever grubber kicks and kicks into space that caused the Chinnor side some difficulty – including penalties awarded against them for a couple of instances of back chat. Saracens spent some time within the Chinnor 22 before Will F managed to receive the ball and run the length of the pitch towards the Saracens try line. Whilst tackled, he was able to pass, but the ball was ruled to be “held up” when over the Saracens try line. Chinnor secured a scrum put in on the Saracens 5 yard line and Ben G (at #8) was able to “pick and go” to obtain his second try. 0-27 Chinnor but with another unsuccessful conversion.

Unperturbed, Saracens came straight back at Chinnor with a high tackle penalty being awarded in the Chinnor 22. Saracens secured their first points with a try in the corner, but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. 5-27 Chinnor.

After the restart Chinnor quickly advanced into Saracens territory with a penalty play allowing Dylan T (at outside centre) to find a gap through the defence and sweep round to score under the posts. Chris B obtained the conversion points before the final whistle blew. Final Score 5-34 to Chinnor.

Match report: Mr Hugh Riley
Photos: Mr David Metcalf