In a pulsating match of high-class rugby played in front of another huge, highly engaged crowd Chinnor came up just short in an eleven try spectacular. Ultimately it was a 21 point surge from the visitors either side of half time that was the difference between the two sides. Chinnor had played with real pace , quality and tempo for 35 minutes and were well worth their 24-10 lead. However a quick fire brace from a dangerous Coventry drew the scores at half time, and to add insult to injury Chinnor would play the first 10 minutes of the second half with 13 men. Another score on 43 minutes put Coventry In front and try as Chinnor did they never let slip their lead.
The game had started at a frantic pace and on 4 minutes Cam Rafferty, who enjoyed a superb first ever start, returned a deep kick with interest. Quick ball released a flying Max Clementson down the right wing who made 40 metres before offloading to Luke Carter who managed to release Tom Watson who barrelled over close to the posts. Nathan Chamberlain converted, 7-0. However straight from the kick off Chinnor failed to exit well and Chamberlain’s clearing kick was charged down and Green followed up to dot down. Converted by Matthew, 7-7.
Chinnor inched ahead with a well struck penalty into the wind and the lead was increased after intense pressure on Coventry’s line saw Carter score with a trademark snipe, 17-7. Chinnor were playing some excellent expansive rugby with Goss and Passman constant running threats. Coventry made use of the wind with a penalty from Matthews to narrow the margin again 17-10.
After another break from Passman and strong carries from Rafferty and Harry Dugmore then Rob Hardwick powered over close to the posts, giving Chamberlain a simple conversion. Crucially Chinnor were to lose their inspirational Captain Willie Ryan after a a head high tackle was deemed to be a yellow card for Nairu but Wille had to leave the field injured. Chinnor were good for the 24-10 lead and with the prospect of playing with the elements in the second half were seemingly in a strong position. However, a lack of discipline and Coventry paying catch up rugby would see a change in fortunes. A catch and drive was scored by Trinder and on the stroke of half time another lineout was deemed to have been collapsed and a Penalty Try and yellow card were given. 24-24.

The visitors continued in their attacking vein on the resumption and scored a superb try after attacking from deep from turnover ball. Captain Poole showed a real turn of pace to finish off the sweeping move, 24-31. Chamberlain notched a penalty on 50 minutes to 27-31 before Tiueti exploited a gap in midfield to increase the visitor’s lead 27-38.
Back came Chinnor again and after a series of attacks Rafferty crashed over for a debut try. The conversion seemed successful but was adjudged wide and this decision eventually denied Chinnor a much-deserved 2nd bonus point, 32-38.
Coventry’s strong bench were now making a difference with on loan Maunder and Graham being especially impressive. Graham scored Coventry’s 6th try with a powerful finish, 32-45.
With a few minutes left Chinnor’s never say die attitude was to the fore as they refused to lie down. The ever-dangerous Gossy eventually finished off a sustained Chinnor attack and another difficult conversion was missed on the stroke of full time
A highly entertaining game played at a blistering pace.

Chinnor- Bourton, Hughes, Watson, Passman, Goss, Chamberlain, Carter, Rafferty, Clementson, Dugmore, Shaw, Ryan, Hardwick, Moore, Lines
Replacements- Onasanya, Walker, Doak, Hall, Green, Smith, Pascoe, Rokodrava.
Tries- Watson, Carter, Hardwick, Rafferty, Goss
Pen – Chamberlain x2
Con – Chamberlain x3

Next home game vs Pirates on the 12th April.

Photo - Simon Cooper
Report - John Vaughan