Chinnor 4th XV 12-44 Chiltern 3rd XV

Chiltern (15) 44
Tries: Bolton 2, Buller, Lee 3, Yandell
Penalties: Bolton
Conversions: Bolton 3

Chinnor (0) 12
Tries: 2
Conversions: 1

Chiltern 3rd XV played their hardest match of the season, coming up against a powerful Chinnor pack that made them scrap for every piece of possession, which made the 7 try 44-12 win all the more satisfying.

Right from the off Chiltern knew they were in a game as the Chinnor side were agressive in attack and defence, so it was fortunate that Chiltern had 7 back row players in the squad, two playing out in the backs. Chiltern often turned their defence in to offense with some strong tackling, including an early bone cruncher from openside Ed Buller on the opposition number 10 that left him nervously looking over his shoulder for the remainder of the game. Early on Chiltern struggled to win clean line-out ball but with the hefty weight of experience in the pack, they used their dominance in the scrum to great affect and their off-load and support play was impressive through-out the game, lead admirably by skipper Rob Long. It was a powerful scrum that setup the first score as number 8 Ryan Lee picked and charged off the back, storming through several tackes for the opening score. Soon after second row Mike Griffiths won an important line-out throw 10 metres from the Chinnor line and despite the new "crazy" ELVs, the pack were able to keep a driving maul up on their feet, ably finished off by the go-go-gadget arm of Craig Yandall appearing from the maul to place the ball over the line.

Going into the second half Chiltern were ahead but by no means clear, though it was not long before they stretched their lead further. Another powerful surge by the forward pack set up quick ball which was spun out wide and a nice show and go by Buller, now having dropped back to play in the centre, saw him coast through to score. A near mirror play minutes later, this time finished off by fly half Russ Bolton, looked like it should have settled the result, but to their credit Chinnor did not give up, responding with two scores of their own.

On the 60th minute, Dave Smith making a surprise start at full back (no one more surprised than him), decided to finally join in the game as he retrieved a long kick, running it back and beating four defenders to set up a great counter attack. More smart interplay amongst the Chiltern forwards followed by a strong burst from winger Duncan Bell setup up Bolton's second try of the game. In the closing minutes of the game two more powerful scores from Lee extended Chiltern's lead and finished off an enjoyable battle of a game.

Team
1 Alexander (sub. Reitz), 2 Long (Capt.), 3 Howe, 4 Griffiths, 5 Yandell, 6 Kent, 7 Buller, 8 Lee, 9 Winson, 10 Bolton, 11 Mowat, 12 Rowland (sub. Turner), 13 Bond, 14 Bell, 15 Smith

Mike Griffiths 18.10.08