Chinnor 22, Redingensians 10
Matt Goode’s hat-trick of tries gave Chinnor a battling home victory in National 3 South West.
The impressive centre was the difference between the sides in an uninspiring match at Kingsey Road.
Redingensians had more territory and chances, but proved their own worst enemies with a high error count in a keenly contested clash.
The visitors knocked on at key times and failed to kick a single point, while Chinnor’s defence shone.
A break from centre Aaron Hopkins gave Redingensians great field position, but their debutant South African fly half Barry De Jager made a hash of the resulting penalty.
Chinnor took the lead on 13 minutes with their first real attack as wing Baz Corpe and fly half Ben Hewitt countered at pace and Goode finished with aplomb on the right.
Hewitt converted superbly from the touchline and Chinnor had a platform.
Another promising backs move, led by wing James Serrano on the right, lost momentum as they went left.
Redingensians hit back after Chinnor hooker Simon Tattersall was sin-binned.
The visitors went for the corner and prop James Baker was driven over on the right.
Redingensians twice blew good opportunities with knock-ons from Baker and wing Mike Wheadon.
At the other end, Chinnor centre Sam Stoop pulled up with a leg injury as he chased his own chip through.
Full back Jevon Marsh and No 8 Robbie Stapley threatened for the visitors, but they trailed 10-5 at the break thanks to a Hewitt penalty.
Referee Richard Bennett, who incurred the wrath of both sides, offered Chinnor little advantage from a penalty.
Redingensians surged forward, and despite initial strong defence from Corpe, they were awarded a second penalty after replacement centre Trevor Powell failed to retreat ten metres.
Powell was sin-binned, and the visitors’ patience paid off when flanker Rob Castell drove over on the right.
Redingensians shot themselves in the foot on 59 minutes when Hopkins and scrum half Jez Flynn failed to deal with a bouncing ball, gifting the alert Goode a second try.
Redingensians’ best chance saw replacement Shaun Brown fumble his own clever chip over the top.
Goode showed his skills with a superb clearance. Then, in stoppage time, he powered over for his hat-trick try.
Hewitt, who had given the scoring pass, converted.
Chinnor: R Williams, Serrano, Goode, Stoop (Powell 32), B Corpe, Hewitt, Hopwood, Winpenny, Tattersall, Pickett (Stock 44), Hutchings (capt), Smith, Jackman, Harrison (Stock 28-34), Mowbray (Hastings 25).
Referee: R Bennett (Bucks).
Man-of-the-match: Goode.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here