Category: Sports News

NATIONAL 3 SW – Saturday 19th March 2011 – SCORE: Chinnor 30 Vs Oxford Harlequins 22; MATCH REPORT (Contributed by Bill O’Donnell.

IN a harum-scarum type of match with the lead changing hands 5 times, Chinnor did just enough to beat local rivals Oxford Harlequins 30-22.

Ricky Hopwood was moved to full back and Toby Prescott came in at scrum half. With Baz Corpe down under, Jack Green took the 14 shirt and James Serrano came in at inside centre. Ed Rixon retained the number 8 position..

The first score came in the sixth minute when James Cathcart, for the home side, converted a penalty goal attempt for a 3-0 lead. From a Harlequins kick to touch, Chinnor?s quick throw in went badly wrong when a pass went to no-man?s land. Quins responded quicker to the loose ball and winger Harry Burns touched down for Harlequins first try to make the score 3-5.

When pressing around the Quins 22 metre mark, Chinnor threw a speculative pass which was seized by the visitors. The ball was worked to Quins outside centre, Xavier Andre, who powerfully weaved through the Chinnor defence to score under the posts in the 22nd minute. Jeff Stewart?s conversion put the visitors 3-12 ahead.

Chinnor hit back almost immediately when Prescott, playing a one-two run around, burst through midfield. Although the initial attack was momentarily halted, Matt Goode picked up the ruck ball to blast over in the corner to make the match score 8-12.

Some two minutes later, Prescott repeated the trick to bring Richie Williams in from the wing. Two sharp passes found James Serrano who bashed over for a try, converted by Cathcart, to put Chinnor back in the lead at half time by 15-12.

Cathcart increased Chinnor?s lead to 18-12 with a well struck penalty goal. Harlequins came back immediately when another wayward Chinnor pass found the visitor?s fly half, Jeff Stewart, who scorched over for Quins third try to pull the score back to 18-17 in favour of the home side. However, Quins went back into the lead just two minutes later when, on the 46th minute, Quins took a quick tap penalty and Andre again ripped through the home defence to touch down for Harlequins to lead 18-22 and gain a bonus point.

For the next 23 minutes, both sides battled for the match and did well to keep their opponents from scoring. However, after sustained pressure in the Quins corner, Chinnor switched the ball along the line for Williams to squeeze in at the corner for an unconverted try. The match score was now 23-22 to Chinnor with 10 minutes to play. Chinnor kept the pressure on and it finally paid off in the final minute when Vickers burst through a gap in the centre of the pitch to eventually feed Prescott whose 30 metre sprint to the posts led to Chinnor?s bonus point try. With the formality of the conversion achieved by Cathcart, the referee blew for no side and a 30-22 victory for Chinnor.

This was a match of attack and counter attack ? Chinnor attacked and Quins counter attacked. Chinnor will rue the three tries that came directly from gifted ball to the opposition. Quins take great credit for their speedy counter attack style which requires pace and precision of execution. Centre Xavier Andre showed how to run in ball from distance. Chinnor struggled to impose structure on the game until the last quarter whilst Quins were happy with a speedy wide attack of a disorganised defence. Hastings and Smith had strong games for Chinnor but the difference between the sides was Chinnor?s Toby Prescott. His penetration of Quins back line defence led directly to two tries and his own alertness and speed led to the bonus point Chinnor try in the last minute which put the game beyond Quins reach.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Goode T; Serrano T; Williams T; Prescott T; Cathcart 2C, 2PG

Oxford Harlequins: Burns T; Andre 2T; Stewart T,C

Chinnor team: Hopwood, Green, Goode, Serrano (Chase 48), Williams, Cathcart, Prescott, Stock (Pickett 57), Cawston, Winpenny, Jackman, Smith, Vickers, Hastings, Rixon (Mowbray 57)

Replacements: Pickett, Mowbray, Chase

CHINNOR RFC’s match on Saturday, March 19, should be an exciting one. They will be playing local rivals, Oxford Harlequins.

The two teams are currently 5th and 10th in the National Division 3 SW.

19/03/2011

CHINNOR RFC, based in Thame, has a girls section led by Lauren Whitworth. On Sunday 3rd April, Lauren has arranged a joint training session with other Oxfordshire clubs; Witney, Gosford All Blacks, and Wallingford.

If you are keen to try it or are just a tiny bit interested to watch, then come along to the club at 10am. Further details are available from Lauren.Whitwroth@glencore.co.uk or call 07774 556156

LEAGUE MATCH – Tuesday, 15/03/11; Thame United 2 Vs Witney United 1; THAME recorded their first win since mid February at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening, when they defeated Witney United 2-1. With goalkeepers Milan Barisic, Paul Searl, and Lee Orkney all injured the game saw the debut of Tom Plumridge in the Thame goal. He played well, but as much of the play was in the Witney half, he had a quiet evening.

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges but it was Witney who scored first. After 7 minutes play Craig Mays hurled a long throw in into the Thame box which Peter Nagy met with a glancing header into the top right of the goal, giving Plumridge no chance. Mays dangerous Ricardo Fuller like throw ins, were a feature of the rest of the game.

Thame controlled the remainder of the half. Alex Stewart and James Faulkner combined well together and looked dangerous. Ben Connolly created several chances on the right and was unlucky to see a long range shot hit the bar. The home side equalised in the 37th minute after being awarded a free kick about 25-yards from goal. Stewart hit a hard shot which was blocked by the wall, but fortunately the ball came back to him and he struck another shot, through a crowded penalty area, into the bottom left of the goal .

The first 20 minutes of the second half were fairly even but then Thame regained the upper hand. On 70 minutes Stewart met a Connolly cross and ?scored? but his effort was ruled offside. The home side?s winner came with 12 minutes to play. Ben Connolly was clattered on the right and a free kick was awarded. Stuart Barr hit a perfect in swinging ball high across the goalmouth, and the on-form Nik Rhodes met it at the far post to head home. Thame almost increased their lead with 4 minutes remaining when Stuart Braun met another free kick with a good header producing an excellent, point blank, save from the keeper.

Thame United: Plumridge, Newell (Meredith), Pykett, N Rhodes, Saulsbury, Hayes, Connelly, Braun (Hunt), Stewart, Faulkner, Barr.

CONTRIBUTED by Bob Dixon

LEAGUE Match – 12/03/11 Thame United 1, Shortwood United 1; MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

THAME came back to equalise six minutes before the end of Saturday?s game at the ASM stadium against, Gloucestershire based, Shortwood United. It was a close thing as the visitors had most of the ball possession and there were few Thame chances.

The match saw the Thame debut for striker James Faulkner who scored 13 goals in 12 league appearances for Oxford City Nomads before signing midweek. James looked sharp and, once he is used to his teammates play, will soon be on the Thame score sheet.

The first half hour was fairly even. After about 15 minutes, the visiting keeper fumbled the ball and was robbed by Alex Stewart, who passed for Faulkner to knock it onto an empty net. The referee however blew for a foul on the keeper. The visitors started to put a few good moves together and controlled the remainder of the half. They scored in the 35th minute when a low ball from the right found Striker Robbie Colwell in enough space to deflect the ball into the net from close range.

The second half saw the visitors continue with more ball possession and Thame keeper Milan Barisic was kept busy. After about 60 minutes, he was injured and was clearly in pain for the remainder of the game. Thame chances were sparse but Stewart and Faulkner both had shots which narrowly missed the target. With about 15 minutes remaining, Thame ?found their feet? and started to mount some good attacks on the visitor?s goal. In the 84th minute a Ben Connelly right wing run was ended by a foul. Luke Ricketts took the in swinging free kick which Stuart Braun did well to reach and head in from close range. Shortwood threw everyone forward in an effort to regain the lead but Thame held out and the points were shared.

Thame United: Barisic, Newell, Pykett, N Rhodes, Brown (Macdonald), Hayes, Connelly, Braun, Stewart, Faulkner, Ricketts.

RUGBY – National 3 SW – Saturday, March 12, 2011; MATCH REPORT – Coney Hill 12 Vs Chinnor 42;

AFTER a difficult first half, Chinnor scored four tries in the second half to beat Coney Hill in Gloucester by 42-12.

With Chinnor?s injury toll still on the rise, Chinnor brought in Ed Rixon at No 8, Ed Devine at lock with Sam Ludgate and Sam Blewitt on the bench.

Chinnor started the match brightly and for the first 20 minutes dominated territory and possession. However, determined defence from Coney Hill prevented Chinnor scoring points. In fact, the first score of the match went to Coney Hill who, with exemplary offloading in the tackle manoeuvred blindside flanker Andy Macrae to 20 metres out from the Chinnor line. Running straight and shrugging off tacklers, he scored under the posts and, with Rory Baker?s conversion, the home side went 7-0 up in the 20th minute.

A promising Chinnor attack 30 minutes into the match was halted by some illegal holding back from Coney Hill?s left wing Jamie Cole. Ref Matt O?Grady yellow carded Cole for the offence. Chinnor immediately took advantage when Huw Morgan finished off a sweeping backs move to dot down in the corner. Goode?s conversion put the match level at 7-7. Minutes later, Goode scored from two penalty goals to put Chinnor 13-7 ahead at the break.

The second half started similarly to the first with Coney Hill to first to score. A classy break from Baker and skilful interpassing saw Coney Hill?s Danny Davis over in the corner to bring the score back to 12-13.

As Chinnor pressed for their next score, Coney Hill?s Steve Griffin was yellow carded for going over the top at a ruck. Two minutes later, on the 54th minute, Goode slotted a penalty goal. In the 58th minute, Hopwood, now playing at full back, sliced through the home defence from 35m out. He was hauled down inches from the try line but quick support from Harry Jackman saw him score under the posts. With Goode?s conversion, Chinnor were now 23-12 ahead. Goode himself scored two minutes later creating a hole that didn?t exist until his muscular approach.

Hopwood again sliced through the home defence to score under the posts to leave the conversion a formality. Goode obliged and Chinnor were now 35-12 ahead. In the 79th minute, Williams intercepted a Coney Hill pass to trot to the posts. Goode?s conversion signalled the end of the match with a 42-12 victory to Chinnor.

Coney Hill proved to be tough opponents and, at times, showed some deft handling skills. Their second yellow card proved costly as Chinnor scored 15 points during the time served.

Chinnor spent the first half in a battle with the home side. In the second half, moving the ball wide proved a more successful game plan. Ricky Hopwood, first at scrum half and then at full back, had a towering game. Goode as makeshift kicker did well in scoring 22 points. Ed Rixon stood out for his strength in both defence and attack. He was immovable when tackling and unstoppable when carrying the ball.

Scorers:

Coney Hill: Macrae T; Davis T; Baker C

Chinnor: Morgan T; Jackman T; Goode T, 4C, 3PG, Hopwood T; Williams T

Chinnor team: Williams (Prescott 47), Corpe, Goode, Angell (Prescott 48), Morgan, Chase, Hopwood, Stock (Ludgate 78), Tattersall, Winpenny, Devine, Smith, Jackman, Hastings (Blewitt 52), Rixon

Replacements: Ludgate, Blewitt, Prescott

LEAGUE MATCH 8/03/11 – Thame United 0, Oxford City Nomads 1 – Match report (Contributed: THAME United suffered their second successive defeat at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening when local rivals Oxford City Nomads won 0-1.

With eight first team regulars unavailable through injury or suspension, their were a number of ?new? faces in the Thame line-up, all of whom made up for their lack of experience by sheer guts and determination.

Sadly the game was marred by an injury to important midfielder Sam Cowan, who was carried from the pitch on a stretcher with a suspected fractured ankle about 10 minutes from the end.

Nomads had the better of a pacey first half, and took the lead in the 12th minute when the ball was played to winger Kynan Isaac at the right corner of the box. The impressive Isaac turned and hit a low 25-yard shot which struck the near post before beating Barisic and crossing the goal line. United were playing 4-5-1 and although lone striker Aaron Rogers worked hard, he was outnumbered and produced little threat to the visitors goal.

The second half was more even with Nomads content to hit long range shots which the on-form Barisic dealt with comfortably. The home side pushed forward and started to threaten. Cowan forced a good save from the visiting keeper and Alex Jewell was unlucky to see his shot just clear the bar. Then came Sam Cowan?s injury, which happened when he went for a 50/50 ball, rather than being scythed down. Soon after the game restarted Barisic was forced to make a fine save from a well-place shot. In the final minutes United continued to seek an equaliser but it was Nomads who left with the points.

Thame United: Barisic, Newell, Pykett, N Rhodes, Meredith, Cowan (Fisher), Jewell, Hayes, Hunt, Rogers (Connelly), Gomersall (Macdonald)

MATCH REPORT: National 3 SW – Saturday, March 5, 2011; Chinnor 48 Vs Cleve 13. (Contributed)

CHINNOR overcame Cleve by 48-13, on Saturday, scoring eight tries in the process. With continuing fly half problems, Mark Chase on his return to the club, filled the 10 shirt for Chinnor and scored 18 points in the process.

Cleve, from Bristol, were first on the scoreboard with a penalty goal from Gareth Knox in the sixth minute. Chinnor?s response was a try from Ed Vickers two minutes later. On the 12th minute, scrum half Hopwood nipped through the centre of the defence to outstrip his pursuers and score under the posts. With Chase?s conversion, Chinnor went 12-3 ahead.

Chase then increased Chinnor?s lead to 19-3, converting his own try which resulted from some good forward pressure. A few minutes later, the visiting scrum half, Josh Mortimore, was yellow carded by referee Brendan McGaffney who proved to be a very capable referee throughout the match. However, Chinnor could not profit from the absence and indeed Cleve scored wide out when Nathan Huntley took advantage of some poor defending to reduce the difference to 19-8. Shortly before half time, Chinnor?s Goode showed power and pace to burst through Cleve?s defence to touch down under the posts. Chase?s conversion saw Chinnor go in at halftime 26-8 ahead.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Mark Chase again slid through the home defence for a try. His conversion put Chinnor 31-8 ahead. A few minutes later, a sweeping backs move saw the slippery Corpe score Chinnor?s sixth try. Chinnor then began a punishing series of forward drives, resulting in Mowbray?s try in the corner.

Shortly afterwards, visiting scrum half Mortimore incurred the wrath of referee McGaffney for injudicious use of the boot. Mortimore?s second yellow card was automatically converted to a red and he took no further part in proceedings. Chinnor?s Prescott was then given a 10 minute rest for not releasing in the tackle.

As before, Mortimore?s absence stimulated the Cleve effort and a strike against the head at a scrum 10 metres from the Chinnor line allowed replacement Roach to easily score Cleve?s second try to reduce the arrears to 43-13. The final score of the day came in the 79th minute when Hopwood, now playing full back, danced through the defence for Chinnor?s 8th try.

Though Cleve are struggling in the league, their play did not always suggest it, particularly in the scrum. Although scoring eight tries, Chinnor perhaps might have scored even more if all final passes had gone to hand. Hopwood had a busy and penetrative match and Goode was at his bashful best. Final praise should go to referee Brendan McGaffney from the Liverpool Society for the quality of his refereeing.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Vickers T: Hopwood 2T: Chase 2T, 4C; Goode T; Mowbray T; Corpe T;

Cleve: Knox PG; Huntley T; Roach T

Chinnor team: Williams (Prescott 47), Corpe, Goode, Angell, Morgan, Chase, Hopwood, Stock, Cawston, Winpenny (c), Jackman, Smith, Vickers, Hastings (Harrison 47), Mowbray

Replacements: Tattersall, Harrison, Prescott

ON a cold and windy night on Wednesday, March 2, Chinnor RFC managed eventually to overcome Henley by 23-16 in their defence of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

Henley began the better of the two sides and opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a penalty from full-back Adam Lubbock. The scores were levelled some five minutes later when Mark Chase converted a penalty goal attempt for Chinnor. Henley, dominating both ball and territory, began to seriously test the Chinnor defence in its own 22. The dam finally burst when Henley?s Adam Lubbock touched down in the corner to give the visitors an 8-3 lead.

Henley continued to have the better of exchanges but could not convert any of it into points and so went in at half-time with an 8-6 lead. Although Chinnor edged ahead in the 43rd minute with a converted try from the rumbustious Vickers, Chinnor coach Bowers decided that some changes in personnel were necessary and Sam Blewitt was replaced by Andrew Smith. As further replacements were getting ready, the referee awarded a scrum to Chinnor some 10m from the Henley line. Chinnor switched the power on and the referee penalised Henley for collapsing the scrum. On the third occasion this happened, the referee, Tom Davies, did not hesitate to run under the posts to award a penalty try to Chinnor. As Mark Chase prepared to take the conversion, Ricky Hopwood, Matt Goode and Ian Stock came on for Chinnor. This immediately gave Chinnor greater pace and penetration with bullocking runs from Stock a particular feature of the rest of the night?s play.

Although the Henley decreased the gap to 18-11 with a penalty from Lubbock in the 64th minute, the Chinnor pack now began to dominate proceedings and scrum time became an uncomfortable experience for the visitors from Henley. In the 67th minute a well executed Chinnor catch and drive saw Ed Rixon score Chinnor’s third try to give the home side a 23-11 lead. Henley were not to be denied and in the dying minutes pressed the Chinnor line for hooker Ed Church to score in the corner to give a final score of 23-16 to Chinnor.

This was a match of two halves with Henley dominating the first and Chinnor coming alive in the second half. Henley proved to be a good contest for this mixed Chinnor side but eventually succumbed to greater forward power. Mark Chase played with great pace and niggled and prompted well. Williams was at his stepping best and Ed Rixon was strong and dominant throughout the match. The whole pack with its replacements deserve great credit for the Chinnor victory.

Chinnor are now away at Grove in the next round of the cup with the fixture date yet to be determined.

Scorers:
Chinnor: Vickers T; penalty T; Rixon T; Chase 2PG, C
Henley: Lubbock T; Church T; Lubbock 2PG

Chinnor side:
Williams, Corpe, Green, Angell (Goode 54), Seymour, Chase, Prescott (Hopwood 54), Winpenny (c)(Stock 54), Tattersall (Cawston 70), Pickett, Divine, Blewitt (Smith 43), Rixon, Vickers, Mowbray
Replacements: Cawston, Stock, Smith, Goode, Hopwood

SOURCE: Contributed by Dave Winpenny

CHINNOR RFC, based in Thame, is to host U14s & U15s matches between Oxfordshire and Northants on March 2, to be followed on March 9, with matches against Warwickshire.