It was all set to be the clash of the autumn term, with Maidenhead having beating arch-rivals Oxford Harlequins in their earlier league fixture. This probably made the visitors the bookie's favorites, but you can never tell in a game of rugby...

Chinnor started with several minutes of possession, but unable to get through the Maidenhead defence. Then, six minutes in to match, Maidenhead got hold of the ball and bullied their way up the pitch and opened the scoring. 0-5.

Some good carries by flanker Ben M and Max M, supported by the other forwards steadied the ship and Chinnor looked like they were at the party. A strong maul off the line out saw Max M dot down with Ben S converting on the thirteenth minute. 7-5.

Not long after, the visitor's #9 was rested, at the referee's request. Maidenhead resisted the pressure, despite several good passages of play involving Dylan T, Chris B and Ben S. Then back to forwards play and captain Harry B, went over for a try - again converted by Ben S. 14-5.

Now back to full strength, Maidenhead were putting the pressure back on. Chinnor gave away three penalties in quick succession, resulting in Maidenhead going over for their second try. 14-10.

Then it was Chinnor's turn to put the visitors under pressure. Some good interplay between Toby C, Chris B and Ben S made ground, but the defence was good. Then a penalty for a tip tackle on Harry R, gave Chinnor the opportunity to give the Berkshire side a taste of their own medicine with forwards Ben G, Harry B and Ben M carrying up the pitch, soaking up the defence before good hands set Toby C for try number three. Converted again by Ben S. 21-10 going in to half time.

The half time changes included Henry S coming on for full back Chris B, Josh S coming on the wing in lieu of Ben S and Alex B taking over from Eddie C on the other wing. Shortly after Tom F came on for Ben M and Archie D for Max M.

From the restart, Chinnor looked more dominant with an early attempt not grounded, so they were back for the penalty. This time the pack simply picked and went over and over until the visitors' defence could no longer hold and Joshua (Mega) S went over for his first try of the season. 26-10.

Next into the spotlight came Josh S, seeing that the defence was solid he chipped through, accelerated on the ball, kicked it on, gathered it and scored. Converted by Henry S. 33-10.

There was then a short while while play was messy, with possession lost. Josh A, at scrum half, recovered the situation by jackal-ling the ball and forcing a Maidenhead penalty. Play from the ensuing lineout was text-book and released Alex B for an amazing run, supported by Dylan T and Ollie S. Again the visitors' defence was good and the ball was lost.

Chinnor still kept the pressure it took a charge down by Josh A to recover possession. Good hands followed, only for a forward pass to be called. Play ebbed and flowed, but Chinnor were looking strong. A clever box kick followed with Gus B using his pace and recovering the ball, then support from the forwards, two 'pick & go's and then Josh A went over seizing the moment. Conversion by Josh S. 40-10.

A quick change of fly half, but the considered kicking continued. The game settled a little to a bit of back and forth, but it was all in Maidenhead's half. Then Chinnor gave away a penalty for a high tackle and had to win the ball back from the ensuing maul, courtesy of Ben G. A further penalty for not releasing and Chinnor were back in their half, with the pressure only released when the visitors fluffed their line out. This gave Chinnor an opportunity and a kick through by Ben S was kicked on and gathered by Dylan T to score. Conversion by Ben S 47-10 with five minutes to go.

Maidenhead were down but not out and came back at the hosts, forcing a further penalty, this time for offside. A well executed driving maul from their lineout gave Maidenhead their third try. 47-15. With only minutes to go, Chinnor held off denying the visitors a fourth try and a bonus point.

The match was closely contested and Chinnor came out on top by being slightly more clinical at all areas of the game. They held their own in the scrum, despite a smaller pack, were effective in the air, disrupted some of Maidenhead's mauls and the backs did an excellent job of reading and anticipated their opposite numbers.

Thanks go to Maidenhead for a very competitive game of rugby and being sportsmanlike throughout. Thanks too to Lord Williams's School for the loan of the pitch and changing room, whilst the club was hosting the Minis festival. Last, but not least, a big thank you to all the Chinnor supporters who came and enjoyed a great game of rugby.

Referee: Mr Mike Hayes (OSRFR)
Photos: David Taylor