Chinnor kicked off the 2nd half of the League season with a hard fought, close but ultimately deserved win away at Caldy. The warm spring sunshine on the Wirral was a far cry from Chinnor’s last outing in tne depths of January at a chilly Kingsey Road. Both side showed little signs of rust as they looked to exploit the dry, fast track with a high tempo attacking intent.
After the Ravers had opened the scoring with an earky penalty Morgan Passman charged down a kick, managed to regather and charged into the 22. Quick ball was recycled and a miss pass from Rob Hardwick found the flying Kieran Goss on the edge and Chinnor’s record try scorer scooted home. Nathan Chamberlain who was to have a perfect day from the tee added the extras, 3-7.
Caldy responded with a well taken try from the dangerous Will Robinson after excellent work from Woodman, who was proving to be a real thorn in Chinnor’s side. Caldy extended the lead on the stroke of half time when Barker slotted his second penalty, 13-7.
Chinnor started the 2nd half in full on attack mode and their superiority in the tight began to pay dividends when Chamberlain narrowed the deficit to 13-10. However, the Ravers struck back immediately to 16-10 after Chinnor failed to exit. Alun Walker entered proceedings which added to the scrum domination and the visitors kicked to the corner, a quick tap from Carter went close before a huge clear out from the impressive Harry Dugmore put a try on a plate for Grant Hughes. Again Chambo added the extras and Chinnor retook the lead, 16-17.
The topsy turvy game continued when the on loan Sale Shark Bedlow surged through a gap from an attacking scrum and the Ravens got their noses in front, 23-27.

Chinnor showed great determination and clinical efficiency at the set piece gave them a sniff of the line and an inside ball from Chambo sent Passman careering over. To add to his assist Chambo nervelessly kicked the conversion to again take the lead 23-24 on 76 minutes.

Chinnor defended extremely well with Nick Smith showing a cool head at the back and kept their discipline to ward off any danger, a defensive effort epitomised by a huge tackle from Calum Pascoe in midfield which seemed to drain the home team of belief.

Nick Easter commented “That was a terrific game of rugby. The lead changed hands several times and I am delighted with both our defensive effort and resilience to come back and win at the death- considering the lay off the quality from both sides was exceptional.”

Chinnor- Bourton, Hughes, Watson, Goss, Chamberlain, Carter, Hall, Clementson, Dugmore, Shaw, Ryan, Hardwick, Moore, Lines

Porter, Walker, Doak, North, Rafferty, Pascoe, Smith

Tries- Goss, Hughes, Passman
Con – Chamberlain x3
Pen- Chamberlain

NEXT MATCH - CHINNOR VS COVENTRY
DATE - 29TH MARCH
TICKETS - https://tktp.as/EFXEOH