CHINNOR were well worth only their second victory of the season in National 3 South after an excellent second-half defensive display sealed a 20-19 triumph over Old Patesians, writes Ed Mezzetti.

o After two heavy defeats, Chinnor showed the sort of intensity they will need to compete in this division.

Both Old Pats' first two tries came when Chinnor lost possession, but after that the home side's discipline and work rate was first class.

No 8 Johan De Bruin had an impressive match, heading a pack that competed throughout despite their weight dis- advantage.

The omens did not look good for Chinnor when Old Pats scored a try through Chris Walton, converted by Russell Nunn, with their first foray into the home 22.

But they were level after 11 minutes when winger Martyn O'Mahony got a fingertip to fly half Richard Williams's chip kick and touched down.

Chinnor were still leaving too many gaps and visiting fly half James Davies jinked through one to score under the posts on 16 minutes.

Full back Russell Nunn converted, but Chinnor's response was emphatic. John Pritchard ran an excellent line to gift his centre partner Anthony Pyers a comfortable finish and Williams added the conversion.

With the wind behind them, Chinnor pegged Old Pats back, but they could not add to their try count.

Williams slotted a penalty but many wondered if 15-12 was enough of a half-time lead.

With the rain now lashing down, Chinnor had to withstand plenty of pressure before carving out a fine try.

Patient build-up in the forwards eventually created space for Williams to snipe through on 52 minutes A catch and drive move saw flanker Gethin Evans score for Old Pats five minutes later and Nunn's conversion made it 20-19.

The visitors must have fancied their chances, but Chinnor held on despute losing new skipper Matt Hutchins through injury.