Match Report by Cameron Temple
Photos with thanks to Paul Clark

The day began with Chinnor 9 points ahead of the Rams, meaning a bonus point win would take the Reading men within touching distance of the away side, and with a real chance to push for promotion.

Alas, it was not to be, as Chinnor secured victory as they resiliently thwarted the Rams advances to clinch the game by 2 points, with the Chinnor head coach saying, ‘I thought the paying spectators got their moneys worth today; it was a great game of rugby. We were able to nullify their threats defensively in the first half, but the Redingensians threw the kitchen sink at us in the second half and we clung on for five points, which was what today was all about.’

We also caught up with Seb Reynolds, head coach of the Rams, who reiterated these thoughts on the quality of the game saying, ‘It was a great game of rugby, we tried to come back at them at the end but it just wasn’t enough. Fair play to Chinnor, they did their homework and they’ve done a good job, but some of our attacking play and the passion we showed was brilliant so I’m very proud of the players.’

Before the game got underway there was a minute’s silence to respect the tragic death of Simon Priestley, who died on the pitch whilst playing for Henley Bears vs High Wycombe.

Chinnor made their intentions known quickly as they played the Rams at their own game, driving from a line out with Ramshaw taking the ball over the line to open the scoring within the first 5 minutes, as the Rams began to realise they might have met their match.

Nonetheless, the Rams, not wanting to succumb to the high pressure surrounding the game, and despite suffering an injury to captain Robbie Stapley, replied 5 minutes later with a try from Henderson following a dynamic one-two.

Chinnor maintained their composure, despite valiant defence from the Rams in the form of huge tackles from Bryant and Souter, as McDonald found a narrow gap on the wing and chipped the ball over Foxley, stretching the ball over the try line, undeterred by the pressure from the pursuing reading men.

The Rams seemed to be finding their feet in the game as they enjoyed a prolonged period of possession, from which they managed to add 3 points, having won a penalty and opted to kick through Humberstone.

However, the Rams dominance came to an abrupt end as Chinnor’s lead was then extended further, despite suffering the setback of a yellow card to Hutchinson after 20 minutes. The Rams appearing to gain some momentum, they whipped the ball out wide only for it to be intercepted by Chinnor’s Chesters, who ran the length of the pitch to take the away side into the break with the score at 8 – 21.

The Rams began the second half in lively fashion going through the phases and winning their set plays in efficient fashion, whilst enjoying a period of dominance.

After 53 minutes this dominance paid off, as after relentlessly knocking on the door of the away sides defence, eventually Conor Stapley found a way through to bring the Reading men within one converted try of taking the lead.

Unfortunately for them, Chinnor refused to let up with the pack driving to the try line from a penalty line out after 60 minutes and man of the match Bentley diving through a gap in the Rams defence for a try after 64 minutes, creating a seemingly unattainable lead over the Rams.

However, the Rams came back with a steely determination, as Humberstone kicked well into the corner, the Rams drove from line out and following unyielding pressure the Home side found a way over the try line through Weller, sparking hope in the minds of the Home crowd with tries from Weller.

This was followed swiftly by a try from Rossiter, recently back from injury, taking them within 2 points of the Chinnor, and setting the game up for an unbearably tense final few minutes.

With the crowd behind them, the Reading men came charging forward in search of the few points needed to win the game, led by the electric pace of Corrigan and Bryant. Despite this, it was not to be as the Rams were taken into touch and the players despondently fell to their knees upon hearing the harsh sound of the final whistle.

Stats:

Redingensians:
Tries: Henderson 11, Stapley C 53, Weller 72, Rossiter 77
Conversions: Humberstone 53, 72, 77
Penalties: Humberstone 19
Drop goals:

Chinnor:
Tries: Ramshaw 6, McDonald 13, Chesters 32, Ryan 60, Bentley 64
Conversions: Bentley 6, 13, 32, 64
Penalties:
Drop goals:

Attendance: 407
Referee: Nicholas Wood
Half time: 8 - 21
Star Man: Jonathon Bentley - Chinnor

Redingensians (15-9 and then 1-8)
Foxley, Duffelen, Bryant, Souter, Corrigan, Humberstone, Lloyd, Weller, Henderson, Berry, Taylor, Thomson, Stapley C, Vooght, Stapley R
Replacements: Drew, Baker, Guttridge, Rossiter, Burn

Chinnor (15-9 and then 1-8)
Goss, Chesters, Dancer, Nawaquliva, Barnes, Bentley, Macdonald, Cano, Hutchinson, Gilding, Ramshaw, Jubb, Oliver, Bordill, Ryan
Replacements: Bingham, Manning, Bradley, Hopkins, Lamont