In what can only be described as ferocious, the best of both counties came together for a clash! Rams are big and capable and set the tempo at the start of the match. Two minutes in and Chinnor lost Max M with a serious shoulder injury, only for the rate at which both sides were coming at each other to be maintained.

Chinnor, with the wind and the slope, looked a little more in control, with much of the play in Ram's half. But Rams were not letting anyone through and possession was traded from one team to the other. The ball was not given up easily by either team, but big tackles were being made and the ball was spilt by both teams.

Twenty minutes into the game, Chinnor got their break and sent Joe C, on the wing, over the line. Converted by Chris B. 7-0.

More trading of tackles and the ball, with occasional errors by both teams and some technical infringements. Chinnor then suffered their second injury with Jake A coming off on his debut for the club. Just before the half time whistle, captain Harry B used his pace and power to go over in the corner. 12-0 going into half time.

The start of the second half was more of the same, with neither team letting the other through. Chinnor went down to 14 players for repeated infringements at the breakdown and had to work doubly hard. The visitors applied pressure and secured their first try. 12-5.

Five minutes later, and back up to full strength, Chinnor gave away a penalty that Rams decided to kick. 12-8. Injury number three followed with Olly S going off with a damaged shoulder. A few minutes after that, Rams showed how dangerous they were with ball in hand and their winger broke through and went over. 12-15.

Chinnor steadied the ship and worked hard - both in the pack and the back line. Eventually, the home side secured a penalty (for offside) that was within range. 15-15 with nine minutes to play.

Matters were tense and Rams looked to have the edge, but with a minute to play, Josh A at #9 sent a well-timed miss pass to Joe C who dotted down in the corner. 20-15 final score.

The pack of Oli D, Harry B, Joshua S, Sam G, Jake G, Archie D and Ben M made scores and scores of tackles and carries, whilst the finishing back line of Josh A, Will V, Eddie C, Toby C, Dylan T, Joe C and Chris B were strong and created opportunities where seemingly there were none. A special mention goes to Josh R who, having started at centre and ending up in the back row, played well. We wish all three injured players a speedy recovery.

Though there are aspects of the game to work on, the players felt justifiably proud of their efforts. The result keeps the Chinnor Colts top of the Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire Under 18s Division 1 league.

Referee: Mr Michael Hayes (OSRFR)
Photos: Stuart McIntosh
Report: Alex Bond