The kick off was cleanly caught by Tom F, followed by a good carry by Charlie Mc. Banbury gave away an early penalty, only for Chinnor to knock on. Then both teams traded knock-ons! Then it was all Banbury’s way and a clear run for their 10 to go and score under the posts for a converted try. 7-0.

Banbury's #10 was looking menacing again but then knocked on in the tackle. Chinnor's scrum was good and the ball kicked into space. Banbury gathered and kicked through only for the day to be saved by Dylan T who offloaded to Eddie C who had a good run. Then Harry B and Tom F took up the mantle and were only halted by good defensive tackles from the hosts.

Play was back and forth, but Chinnor now looking better runs by Ollie J, Harry B and Rich B who nearly scored but for a double movement. There was then a brilliant passage of play with Olly S offloading nicely to Rosco R who offloaded to Dylan T was then tackled but just managed to offload to Toby C. He juggled the ball above his head, kept hold of it and got it down to open the scoring. 7-7.

More back and forth with possesion and an occasional penalty traded. A little 'show and go' from Eddie C made the ground. Banbury's defence was good but they gave away penalty and a scrum is called. A clever kick through follows and is recovered by Banbury's fly half who's bundled into touch. Chinnor's maul looked good but Banbury managed to disrupt it and the ball was unplayable. Good clearance kick from the hosts was not recovered quickly enough and now the visitors were at risk of conceding try #2. Fortunately, they cleared to touch and the whistle blew for the end of the first 25-minute third.

Of the first scrum the ball is run by Toby C before passing out to Dylan T who kicks through. A good chase follows and Banbury are under pressure. Archie D is looking good, securing the ball quickly to enable Tom F to score right in the corner. Well converted by Olly S. 7-14

Chinnor now going from strength to strength and Tom W uses his pace to score his debut try after a brilliant run by Tom F and an initial set up by captain Harry B. 7-21.

The only thing now stopping Chinnor is giving away occasional penalties and an odd forward pass. Good defensive work from all the forwards but Max M and Archie D stand out plus a good steal by Charlie Mc. Then there is a bit of scrappy play with the ball on the floor more than it is in hand. Harry B seizes the moment and goes on a solo run, breaking the defence to score try #4. 7-28

Chinnor were putting the hosts under pressure and secured a penalty. That all changed when a high tackle resulted in Chinnor being temporarily down to 14 players. Chinnor were then defending well and held Banbury off for a few minutes before an infringement 5m out from their own try line resulted in a second yellow card. A clever cross filed kick saw the host go over in the corner. 12-28. End of second third.

Banbury came out of the blocks well, pressing in defence and securing an early penalty. Eddie C made two try-saving tackles. Louis A carried well and Shaun B promptly secured a loose ball. Tom W made an electric run with Dan M (now at scrum half) is close support, only to be stopped by effective tackles by Banbury.

Chinnor were then lucky to be awarded a penalty when the ball was out of the ruck (but unseen by the referee). As it happened it came to nothing as the kick went wide. Soon Chinnor were back on the attack but then conceded a penalty. Alfie made some great tackles and Gus B went for a solo run from ten metres within Chinnor's half, stepping and bouncing defenders until he was within 15m of the tryline, but now isolated. Banbury's fullback then showed his pace outrunning the best Chinnor could offer to score their third try. 19-28.

It was all getting tense as Banbury reverted to a traditional form of rugby, whereby the forwards clatter into the defence making only inches whilst the backs wait in vain. For all this, it was working and they were close to a score when an injury saw the clock stopped. From the restart, Chinnor wrapped up an attacking maul to regain possession. But not for long, Banbury were back only to lose the ball in contact yards from Chinnor's try line with less than 5 minutes to go. Banbury regain possession and the pressure is too much - they go over for try #4. 26-28.

The pressure is on with Banbury feeling resurgent. Chinnor now have possession and Dylan T runs into contact, Banbury fail to release and with the clock gone, Chinnor tap and kick to touch. Final score 26-28.

Special mentions to our country members Harry M and Rosco R for running out today, Jude H for excellent carries (and not being bundled into touch), Olly J for a great work rate (and not playing hooker), Rich Blackwell who was good in the air and also to Sam T and Dan M for sharing scrum half duties. Plus Olly S's kicking made the difference, securing 4 out of 4, including one from the touch line!

Thanks to the coaching team who were all on parade and to the parents and supporters who made the journey to Banbury. Thanks too to our hosts at Banbury - we are now one match all this season!