Chinnor produced another performance for the ages as they stormed to a well deserved win against high flying Bedford Blues in front of a passionate, bumper Christmas crowd. A victory that was underpinned by a dominant display from the impressive front five and an inspired defensive effort that saw the visitors unable to cope with the unrelenting physicality.

The match kicked off after a heavy deluge which made conditions extremely slippery and handling difficult. This was immediately apparent when Bedford dropped the kick off and the ball was snaffled by the ever alert Kieron Goss. Goss was to go on to play a huge part in proceedings with crucial interventions at both ends of the pitch. Chinnor attacked from the turnover and encamped themselves deep into the Blues 22m. Chinnor's front five showed their supremacy at scrum time at once and came within inches on the visitors line on several occasions, including being held up over the line. Whilst the scrum was functioning well the conditions were making it difficult for both sides to guarantee their own lineout ball and uncontrolled tap backs were creating problems for both teams.

Chinnor eventually broke the deadlock when their pressure gave them a deserved lead. Joe Browning regathered his chip ahead and surged into Blues territory. The ball was recycled quickly, Chinnor's backs moved the ball expertly when a clever pass from Connor Slevin found Hughes in space who released Goss to power over. A very difficult conversion into the elements was nailed by Slevin, 7-0. Chinnor would have been really pleased with their efforts as they were playing against a strong wind and up the slope so could easily have been expecting a half time deficit. Goss and Feeney were dealing with Bedford's kicking game with aplomb, rock solid under the box kicks their intelligent exits were superbly executed.

The visitors looked to attack and Matavesi was proving a handful in midfield, but every time they looked to be getting some continuity the attack was snuffed out by fantastic defensive work. Bedford looked to strike back when the dangerous Adamson exploited the blindside and his kick into the deadball zone looked very well judged as he was winning the race for the touchdown. However, Adamson hadn't bargained on Gossy and his miracle "spidey senses" as he appeared from nowhere to defuse the danger. Pascoe made a searing 40 metre break and some lovely passing was only thwarted by some desperate defence. Izzy Wharton and Scottie Hall were prominent both sides of the ball as Chinnor continued to play the conditions intelligently.

Bedford began the second half with real intent as they looked to up the tempo in attack. But that was matched and more by the ferocity of Chinnor's defence. Roared on by an increasingly fanatical support the defensive effort seemed to knock the confidence of the visitors. Chinnor now had the benefit of the wind and were able to exploit the conditions more successfully than Bedford with excellent kick chase. Bowning latched onto a Luke Carter box kick and forced a penalty which Feeney kicked deep. A shift drive from the back of the lineout came to within inches of the line but gave the opportunity for Alun Walker to increase the lead, 12-0.

Again Bedford looked to strike back and held the ball for over 25 phases as they probed for a weakness in defence, but none was found as they were unerringly forced back metre by metre. Freddie Tuilagi ran back a clearance kick and the returning, powerhouse number 8 had a 20 metre run up to Chinnor's defensive line. He was hit by an incredible, crunching chop tackle from Alfie North which was greeted by deafening cheer from players and supporters alike. Tim Hoyt won the ensuing turnover penalty which gave Feeney the opportunity to kick deep. Chinnor's dominance at the scrum continued to pay dividends and Worboys was the beneficiary with 2 calmly struck penalties to give Chinnor the breathing space of 3 scores as the lead increased to 18-0.

Bedford did score a consolation try deep into injury time when a floated pass saw Captain Le Bourgeios dot down in the corner. The final whistle was greeted with rapturous applause from the royally entertained crowd. A towering team performance where every player emptied the tank and registered one of the biggest wins in Chinnor's history. Chapeau!

Feeney, Browning, Hughes, Passman, Goss, Slevin, Pascoe, Ryan (c), Wharton, Dugmore, Irvine, Hall, Hardwick, Walker, Lines
Hoyt, Cave, Clarke, North, Johnson, Carter, Worboys, Watson.

Tries- Goss, Walker
Con - Slevin
Pens- Worboys x2

Man of the Match - Scott Hall

Match Report - John Vaughan
Photo - David Howlett