What a game of rugby! And what a fantastic day for such an eagerly anticipated game of rugby. As we know, the stakes couldn't have been higher. A Wallingford win would have seen them crowned as champions; a Chinnor win and we would go forward to our final two matches with every chance of winning the league, and with our destiny in our own hands.

Both sets of lads were well up for this. Never before, though, have we seen our boys so focused before the game; they were ready for this and really wanted this, no question. However, it was Wallingford who dominated territory and possession in the early stages when a couple of early errors allowed Wallingford a shot at the posts and then a converted try to move them into a 10 - 0 lead. But we kept our heads and began to play our rugby. The forwards were clearing out superbly and making continued inroads into the Wallingford defence, and the backs were looking menacing behind. Our pressure paid off and midway through the first half we forced a five metre scrum after a strong drive was held up, allowing Guy to pick up at the base and dive over the line for our first score. From the resultant kick off, George English gathered well, moved the ball into the centre where Ollie made ground. Further pressure led to another scrum inside their twenty-two, and lighting did indeed strike twice. In a pre-planned move, Guy picked up at the base, feigned to pass to Henry in the centre and ploughed down the blindside of the scrum for the try that leveled the scores. This time, Tom was able to kick the conversion. Chinnor continued to pile on the pressure but the Wallingford backs were disciplined in their defence and were able to keep us out. And thus to half time, a half in which we had played into the wind, with a narrow lead.

The second half began as the first had ended, with sustained Chinnor pressure. Wallingford were being frustrated by their lack of territory and possession, but defended extremely well. On another day, we would have racked up the points. The pressure built to a flashpoint midway through the second half, and the handbags came out, but the referee spoke to both captains and Chinnor managed to control their discipline. Then the breakthrough came when Henry took the ball on the twenty-two following another successful Chinnor scrum and angled his run superbly to touch down. Tom's conversion struck the post. The game then restarted with a Chinnor penalty when one of the Wallingford players kicked the ball away in frustration. With both sides tiring the game fragmented somewhat in the final quarter and Wallingford spent a sustained period in the Chinnor twenty-two for the first time since the opening stages. The Chinnor defence held firm, though, and indeed we could have extended our lead when a strong run from George was halted metres from the line.

A final score of 10-17 gave us the vital victory but Wallingford also secured a losing bonus point. Wallingford have now completed their matches for the season and are nine points clear in the table. To close that gap we require ten points (two wins with try bonuses) or alternatively one win and one bonus point win and improve our points difference by 36 points or more. We can do it - so all eyes are now on our final home game against Bicester next week.

Congratulations to Wallingford for their part in a great game, and on their season overall. They have surprised everyone with how well they have played, and whoever lifts the cup at the end of the month will be worthy winners.

Well done lads. You have made us all very proud.