Chinnor Shake Off The Blues

THIS was always going to be a tough encounter for Chinnor against a resurgent and well drilled Chippenham outfit.
Two enforced changes in the Chinnor side, both influential players in the shape of Paul Hennessy with
influenza and Eric Brown, work commitments, saw Raakai Maxwell come in at number eight and Ali Reekie take the wing spot. Chippenham were first on the score
sheet in the third minute when Rupert Crockett broke from open play to put winger, Darren McMillan in at the corner. A finely struck penalty into the wind from James Hewitt reduced the arrears for the home side before Rewi Tolich rounded off a sweeping Chinnor move to score wide out. With Karl Brant
converting a penalty for Chippenham on the stroke of half-time, the scores were level at the break.

It was very much ‘nip and tuck’ for the first 20 minutes in the second half with much of the play taking place between the respective 22 metre
lines. The introduction of Jamie Hiscock broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when he took a pass from Sam Soane, which was his first touch of the
ball, to sprint 30 metres and score wide out. With Hewitt adding the extra points with a fine touchline conversion, there was now daylight between the
sides and with Buckley scoring when he supported another move along the threes, Chinnor were 12 points ahead. A further individual try from Matt Buckley and one from debutant Rod Mahe (both converted by Hewitt), completed the scoring.

This was a much needed win for Chinnor following the
disappointment of their cup exit last Sunday. It took them time to shake off the blues of that defeat but the last 20 minutes showed glimpses of what
they are capable off. With James Hewitt striking the ball well, Simon Matthews showing there is life in the old dog yet, some sound scrummaging and
Matt Hutchins back from a long lay-off, then Chinnor can look forward to their last seven games, all which need to be won, with optimism.

Score: Chinnor 34pts Chippenham 8 pts.