Clifton empty handed at home

Chinnor arrived at Station Road with a squad of which only three had played in the corresponding game last season. On that occasion we won by four points but history was not to repeat itself.

In a nut shell we started brightly but when our visitors pack took control up front after a quarter of an hour there was no way back no matter how hard we tried.

Chinnor’s investment this season included former Bristol stars Junior Fatiolofa and Alfie To’oala whose skills were demonstrated all afternoon.

To’oala was to the fore with his off loading game and drives from the base of the scrum as after the initial ten minutes the Chinnor pack were in control.

Clifton’s early dominance enabled centres Danny Wells and Will Pomphrey to create the opportunity for fly half James Mackay to slide in under the posts for a try he also converted.

With the visiting crowd shouting “come on you Chinnor Boys” their well organised pack with some well organised and determined forward play took control as we struggled to gain any worthwhile possession.

Chinnor possess a skilful fly half in Ed Keohane and when he made a break from a scrum thirty metres out he left several defenders in his wake as he made his way to the line for an unconverted try.

Hooker Jamie Townsend scored when he received an off load from To’oala which opened up the way to the line. Keohane landed the first of his four conversions.

A twisting run by scrum half Frank Jones from close range enabled him to touch down for his side’s third try.

When we had the ball we tried hard to create chances but are only reward was two Mackay penalties which kept us in touch.

The game slipped away at the start of the second half as wing Reuben Haile and prop Joe Pickett scored in rapid succession with one try being converted.

The game remained entertaining but the intensity dropped as the second half progressed.

Our second try came on the hour when the determined prop Rupert Freestone who had tackled himself into the ground drove over following a line out with Mackay adding the extras.

The final try was fortuitous as the ball came out of a maul and was hacked towards are line and Keohane won the race to toucd down adding the conversion to take his tally to eighteen.

After the game Darren admitted we were beaten by a better side on the day but could no fault in the way his side played. Louis had performed well in the line out on his full debut while Ben Foley was dangerous on the counter attack. Prop Charlie Bullimore and hooker Sam Evans launched a number of impressive drives