MATCH REPORT: SUPER CENTS CLAIM CHINNOR DERBY WIN

RAMS Centaurs claimed a brilliant 31-25 home win in a pulsating Counties One Tribute Southern North derby against Chinnor Wildboys.

The two sides served up a treat in the first senior action of 2024, with the away team taking an early lead when centre Harry Lowe sliced through in midfield for a score added to by Archie Nicolle.

Centaurs, though, hit back with a sumptuous equaliser of their own, the ball spread left from an attacking scrum in the opposition 22 before wing Dan Bennett’s arcing run off the right allowed him to take an inside ball for an unopposed touchdown under the posts.

Cameron George landed an easy kick, but Chinnor hit back immediately as Nicolle landed a 35-metre penalty before again finding the target after Andrew Prosser dotted down.

The Mighty Cents were playing some good stuff, though, and after a George penalty leaked right, they reduced the deficit when the impressive Terrel Harry fought his way over from close range.

And it was the home side who led at the break, more good work from Harry seeing his fine hands clear a path for fellow prop Dave Southworth to cross for a 19-17 advantage.

Centaurs continued to have the better of things early in the second period, but they were unable to make their pressure pay and then fell behind to a second Nicolle penalty.

However, they rallied again and youngster Ollie Cullum benefitted from a strong Matt Rose carry, the starting back row having switched into the centre, to go over to the left of the posts.

George made no mistake, and although he could not extend the lead with a penalty chance, Centaurs made a decisive move with some five minutes remaining.

With Chinnor having second row Tom Roberts sin-binned following a series of team infringements in their own 22, it was the excellent Chris Kessell who took advantage by powering his way over for a 31-20 lead.

And while the visitors fought to the end, earning a third try of their own through No. 8 Sean Latham, it proved too little, too late as the Centaurs picked up a third win of the campaign.

Centaurs do not have a game this weekend, next in action at home to sixth-placed Grove on Saturday, January 20.