Chinnor emerged from their RFU enforced mid-season hibernation to claim victory at Cambridge and come away victorious in the inaugural Not the Premiership Cup Cup on a glorious spring afternoon at the Elligia Fields.

In a superb, end to end game of running rugby both teams gave their all in search of silverware but it was the visitors who held on to take the spoils when they managed to hold off a big fightback in the last few minutes.

Cambridge started the match on the front foot and dominated the early exchanges with some excellent flowing rugby. Chinnor's defence managed to keep the home side after some notable interventions from Scott Hall, Max Clementson and Harry Dugmore. It was very much against the run of play when the ever alert Grant Hughes spotted the chance for an intercept from a long miss pass and cantered home unopposed from 70 metres, Chamberlain converted 0-7.
The Blood and Sand immediately hit back with a brace of tries to take the lead 14-7 after again dominating the exchanges.
Chinnor hit back after a break from Pascoe was supported well by the returning George Shaw, the big second row did well to take play deep into the 22 with a 50 metre charge but he certainly would have been feeling it after 3 months out! Chinnor kicked to the corner and a driving maul was finished off by the impressive Chris Moore. 14-12
The home side struck again when the dangerous Caven scored in the corner after a driving maul sucked in the Chinnor defence, 19-12. Cambridge were good for their half time lead .

The game turned in the 3rd quarter when Chinnor really picked up the pace and intensity. Morgan Passman made a huge impact with his extra physicality in midfield causing the Cambridge defence no end of problems. After a smart Luke Carter break, Tom Watson expertly offloaded to the supporting Chamberlain to dive over close to the sticks. 19-19

Chinnor went ahead when good work from Ryan and Clementson saw Passman's unstoppable charge take three defenders with him. Again converted 19-26. Chinnor kept up their more physical approach and were now really hitting their straps when Rob Hardwick ploughed over from close range and Chamberlain again added the extras, 19-33 on 65 minutes. Chinnor were now playing an exciting brand of high tempo running rugby and seemed to be very much in control.
However the match turned again and was very much in the melting pot when Cambridge stormed back with a brace of tries in the 72nd and 77th minute. Chinnor were also reduced to 13 men so faced a nervy last couple of minutes. A superb lineout steal from Shaw meant Chinnor were able to manage the last stages and come away with the spoils.

Nick Easter “I’m delighted with the way we played and dug in to win and win some notable performances.. It’s nice to be able to take the trophy home with us. The boys were singing in the dressing room and enjoyed the victory. Big up for Staints and Tim who worked so hard to put this comp on. Two superb matches played in front of a couple of thousand thrilled supporters"

Chinnor- Crowley, Hughes, Rokodrava, Watson, Goss, Chamberlain, Pascoe, Hall, Clementson, Dugmore, Shaw, Ryan, Hardwick, Moore, Lines.

Primmett, Cave, Porter, Rafferty, Stokes, Carter, Passman, Yandall

Man of Match - Moore

Championship league matches resume on the 22nd March away to Caldy and then at home to Coventry on the 29th March.

Thank you for all your continued support.