Chinnor U14 Girls beaten in a well-contested match

With 18 players available for the last match of the Michaelmas term, Chinnor looked to get some points on the board following three defeats. The opposition, known as 3Bs, are the amalgam of Bicester, Banbury and Brackley and fielded a full team.

The game started well in good conditions albeit the going was slightly heavy. Chinnor had been working on their defence and it showed from the off. Strong opposition runners were stopped (in the main) and the pressure forced errors. Chinnor capitalised on this well and showed their running ability breaking into the opposition's 22 several times, only to be stopped by effective defence from the 3Bs. Violet R, Caitlin W, Jemima C and Hope B all got into the red zone, but were thwarted at the last moment!

The breakthrough came when Rennie F went on a blistering run fending off the first two defenders before being taken down and recycled the ball. Two phases later she was back in the action and grounded the ball in the corner, after crashing through determined defence.

Chinnor's scrum was dominant throughout and tribute goes to Daisy C, Summer I and Zoe P for sterling work, and to Grace N who assumed duties at #2 in the second half. Lily F and Ava B, in the engine room, were both fantastic taking the fight to the opposition - both in the set piece and rucking. The back row combination of Eleanor H, Violet R (pack leader) and Tamsin B was effective, and were seamless in re-organising when needed.

So, with scrums and line-outs going well, improved defence and some confident runs, the score at half time was 5-12.

The second half was a good contest in much the same manner as the first, until the last three minutes when Chinnor were caught napping (but more of that shortly). Both packs of forwards were starting to tire, not aided by the scrum count but Chinnor continued to dominate in the battle of strength.

A change of #10, with skipper Jemima C now off due to injury, saw Eleanor C and Pietra V-O at centres. It was during this period that stand-in fly half Caitlin W kicked a perfectly weighted ball that full-back Hope B chased down, gathered expertly and outran her opposition to score.

The club welcomed three debutantes to rugby who played their first match. Erin W, coming on at #8, Cat M on the wing and Pietra V-O at inside centre. The all contributed with work at the breakdown, carries and effective tackles, receiving positive feedback from the touchline.

With three minutes to play, and 3Bs now 4 tries to 2 up, Chinnor's defence was tiring and the opposition eventually secured a penalty. They took it quickly with many Chinnor players ill-prepared and the visitors crossed the whitewash. After a successful conversion, their fastest runner caught the restart and cut through a weary Chinnor to score before the final whistle.

Final score 10-40, but a valiant effort from the Chinnor U14 Girls and the players knew that had stepped up and taken the game to 3Bs. A final mention goes to a player, who though not nominated Player of the Match, but could well have been. Ellie B, playing on the wing, made repeated try-saving tackles - often on taller and stronger players - each time taking them down.

There are some work-ons, but all of that can wait until 2024. The team have come on well in just a term. They are playing some good rugby, have welcomed new players and can be justifiably pleased with their closing match of 2023.

Player of the Match: Hope B
Referee: Mr Neil McIntyre
Photo: Lynette Bretherton