Chinnor Colts suffered their first league loss of the season away at Maidenhead in a close, hard-fought battle.

The match was on a knife edge with Chinnor mounting late attacks to snatch the win when the home side after a series of penalties scored their second driven lineout try in the last minute to take the honours 19-7.

Two contrasting styles led to a compelling match with Chinnor looking to play a fast and expansive game against a much bigger forward dominated Maidenhead. With mounting injuries suffered over the last few weeks Chinnor had to juggle their selection, but it was great to welcome Jed to the squad as well as seeing the return of big Tom Roberts.

Chinnor looked immediately to attack from the kick off and it was obvious they were intent on playing a fast and open game. Quick ball released the dangerous backs where Tom B and Will L were a constant threat with line breaks and offloads. Chinnor were showing promise in the early exchanges upfront with some good carries from Guy and Harry P.

Maids were the first to score when an effective lineout an driving maul eventually led to their v powerful Captain scoring, 5-0.

Chinnor responded magnificently and dominated the rest of the half, looking threatening when they could string phase play together.

Unfortunately, the lineout misfired on several occasions just as the boys were building momentum and a change of tactic to running our penalties would probably have worked. Despite this breakdown in first phase possession Chinnor were able to run the ball deep into Maids territory after a series of breaks from Jimmy and James. After several high tackles deep in the 22 the referee had no option but to yellow card the home captain. Chinnor wisely did not go for the corner but took the tap and good patience and recycling saw Matty plunge over to score, Ed converted 5-7.

A costly mishap at the restart led to an offside and Maids kicked from range to take the half time lead, 8-7.

True to OBB League regulations on substitutes 50/50 rule Chinnor lead coach then made multiple changes. Strangely this is something the home side did not do and therefore seemed to be in breach of the stated RFU stance, even after they were reminded of their obligations.

Injuries were also mounting especially in the backs when in quick succession we lost Fin, Max and Joe.

The second half was a cagier affair with the home side using the wind to kick deep whenever they had the chance. Chinnor's lineout started to function more efficiently and Oscar W managed a few steals of our own. Chinnor looked dangerous again with two clean breaks from James but our attacks were penalised on several occasions when we were behind the defensive line and looking for quick ball. After 62 minutes Maids stretched their lead to 11-7 but with 8 minutes left the result was well and truly up for grabs.

Chinnor again launched attacks from deep and following another break from James he released Luke down the right wing and he carried the attack into Maids 22, however with Chinnor looking for quick ball the referee pinged for holding on and Maids kicked up field.

A good run out against a much bigger and heavier team. Maybe an increase in pace could have been beneficial as the skill and fitness levels are there for the boys to back themselves. Onward to National Cup, hoping for a return of a few injured players to help out.