After a respectful 2-minutes silence to remember those who fell in conflict to preserve our democracy, the starting whistle was a welcome relief from the bitter cold wind that only blows at Chinnor. To avoid / minimise anyone being on the bench, two 12-a-side matches were played in parallel, followed by a 15-a-side match.

On pitch 2, Chinnor had possession, well inside the London Irish half, but it didn't last long! After four minutes they gained possession and scored the first try, but no conversion (0-5). Three minutes later - try and a conversion (0-12). Eleven minutes in, same again (0-19). Five minutes later Chinnor responded with Ben G dotting down between the posts for a well worked try which was duly converted (7-19).
Shortly afterwards, the very capable London Irish scored again (7-26) and again (7-33). A late response from Chinnor resulted in the final try by Ben M; no conversion. Final score 12-33 to London Irish.

On pitch 3, Chinnor fared better with tries from Ben M, Josh E, Toby and a hat-trick from Will F. Conversions were taken by Josh E who was accurate with only one going astray. It wasn't all one-way traffic and London Irish (assisted by Chinnor's own Ed M) kept working for the ball and scored one try. Final score 47-5 to Chinnor.

Both home and away squads then reorganised to each put out a 15-a-side team.

In the Chinnor ethos, every player who had any gas left in the tank played in the match, with both Dan and Eddie playing well at scrum half. Front row duties were performed by Louis, Adam, Ollie, Sam, Max M and Ben M. The engine room was staffed by Rich, Gus, Ben G, Finley, Sol and Ed who all played well. Archie at 8 did the work of many men, tackling in defence and carrying with strength. The back line was solid with Nathan, Will F, Alex and Ben S taking shifts on the wing and Archie D, Toby and Dylan playing inside and outside centre. Josh E was on fly half duties and the game was hard fought with only one try scored by each team and the clincher being that Chinnor converted theirs.

London Irish were formidable opposition and ill-discipline at some of the breakdowns cost Chinnor a couple of opportunities. It was a credit to the players that they recovered from these penalties and repeatedly fought their way back into London Irish's half. Tackling could have been lower as opposition yards were made by some strong ball carriers pushing on through, sometimes needing two Chinnor players to bring them down. Chinnor were successful in securing turnover ball from a couple of mauls. Ed M and Will F both deserve a mention for their tacking which was effective. Final score 7-5 to Chinnor.

Thanks to referees John V and Dave C, to score keeper David B, photographer Steve B, team orange supplier Louisa M as well as to several parent supporters who brought family along, helped with flags and encouraged the players.