Chinnor RFC Scoop Win Against Reading (Contributed)

Chinnor 1st XV, 25 vs. Redingensians 1st XV, 5 Saturday, January 26, 2008 – South West Division One

CHINNOR won this hard fought game in the first 20 minutes of the second half. They were just 12 points ahead at the interval having the advantage of the blustery breeze at their backs. Readingensians were proving to be a difficult side to break down. With their ball retention being first rate, they kept the ball in the hand for long periods thus denying Chinnor the possession they needed to utilize the wind. Indeed it was just the one spillage that allowed Chinnor to scoop up the ball and with some swift handling put the ever present Ben Hewitt in for the first try. With Readingensians continuing to deny Chinnor possession,it took a fine, powerful run from Zane Winslade, shrugging off several tackles in the process, to break the deadlock and score under the posts allowing James Cathcart a simple conversion. This try came in the 32nd minute and with no further score gave Chinnor a 12 point buffer at half-time.

With all to play for in the second period, Chinnor upped their game. They adopted the pick-up and drive tactic which was rewarded when after an initial forward surge they released quick ball to allow Ben Hewitt to show his side-stepping skills and score a well worked try. With Cathcart adding the conversion into the wind, the Chhnnor faithful could breathe more easily. MInutes later, skipper ,Grizz McQuire, went over from a rolling maul and Chinnor were 24 points to the good.

Readingensians continued to persevere and were rewarded when Joe Duffelen scored in the corner three minutes from time. This was a workmanlike performance from Chinnor who stuck to the basics and raised their game when it was required.