Rugby: Chinnor seal fine double

From the archive, first published Tuesday 31st Jan 2006.

CHINNOR took a massive step towards National League rugby with a 17-10 victory at Clifton in South West 1.

They showed great spirit to come back from 10-3 down at the break and complete an impressive double over their promotion rivals.

Crucially it was Chinnor full back James Hewitt, who adapted better to the swirling wind, and his three successful kicks tipped the balance in the visitors' favour.

Some early pressure saw Chinnor go close against the best defence in the league, but they had to be content with just a Hewitt penalty.

Clifton's No.8 and captain John Levis was looking dangerous and his break from the back of a scrum set up lock Ryan Cox to plunge over.

Another try just minutes later by flanker Chris Lowry, again from a Levis surge, extended the Clifton lead.

But with Andy Bell missing both conversions and a penalty just on the half-time whistle, Chinnor were still in the game.

And as the second half wore on, they gained increasing control up front and a man advantage after Bobby Blake was sin-binned.

Chinnor capitalised with a push over try from No 8 Paul Hennessy, which Hewitt expertly converted.

The visitors persisted in running the ball and a delightful chip from fly half Matt Buckley set up a try for Eric Brown, which proved to be the winner.

Brown took the 50/50 ball in his stride, brushing off two tackles to powerfully make the line and Hewitt converted.

SKIPPER Andy Noyce was on song as Oxford Harlequins earned a much-needed 24-10 victory at lowly Spartans (SW).

Playing on the wing, Noyce scored a try and three penalties to put his team 14-10 up at the break.

All this came after the Gloucester side had raced into a 10-0 lead, but Quins showed their character to hit back with 24 unanswered points.

A first-minute forward drive pierced the Quins defence for the opening try.

This was converted and six minutes later a penalty made it 10-0.

Two Noyce penalties steadied the ship in what was a strong, biting wind.

A superb handling move in which play was switched several times then sent Noyce over for a superb try.

Hooker Simon Chadbone and the back row of Jamie Cope, Paddy Soper and Dan Bonanno were all prominent as the Quins' pack called the tune.

Spartans started the second half strongly, while on 43 minutes Quins lost lock Will Dixon with a fractured collar-bone to add to their long list of injuries.

Alisdair Cradock replaced him and Quins upped their game.

Chadbone's excellent support play was rewarded when he dived over by the corner to make it 19-10 in the 46th minute.

Quins' half backs Rodney Dowd and Anthony Cope kept Spartans' defence at full stretch.

Finally in the 71st minute fly half Cope jinked his way over for a fine try.

Archive Home