Chipping Norton 40, Oxford 17

OXFORD, once one of the top second-class clubs in the country, face the genuine prospect of falling to the bottom rung of the ladder after losing their Southern Counties North relegation battle at the Greystones on Saturday.

It is uncertain how many teams will be relegated to the Bucks and Oxon League at the end of the season, but Chipping Norton, judging by this decisive victory, have enough quality to avoid the drop.

The same cannot be said for Oxford, who despite the marauding instincts and line-out talents of Mark Viner and spirited leadership of Don Smith, have too many weak links.

Chippy, who controlled the game through the experience of Chris Morgan and Neil Wynn in the back row, also had two match-winners outside the scrum.

Strong-running centre Ian Jones and flying winger Martin Nutt both scored two tries to expose Oxford's fragile defence. Jones first broke through four minutes after Chippy had chosen to play up the slope into a stiffish breeze. He raced through a gaping hole and touched down for a try, which Adam Smith converted.

Oxford, who controlled the line-outs, spent a lot of time in the Chippy 22, and replied with a penalty by fly half Tim Holdsworth, who then converted a close-range try from Mark Viner.

The visitors were pressing again just before half-time, when Chippy delivered a knock-out blow.

Nutt picked up the ball at the base of a ruck and raced 75 metres down the left touchline for a spectacular try, which Smith converted.

So Chippy turned round 14-10 ahead, with the elements now in their favour.

Chippy's front five shoved Oxford all over the park, and it was no surprise when Morgan touched down for a pushover try.

Further tries followed from lively fly half Aaron Tustin, Jones - thanks to a huge sidestep - and the speedy Nutt, with Tustin (2) and Smith adding the conversions.

Oxford, to their credit, did not give up, and deserved their late second try from Viner, following a piece of opportunism by Smith.

Holdsworth added the conversion, but it was the relieved Chippy supporters who were celebrating afterwards.

Story date: Tuesday 15 February

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