As this game entered the final quarter with Chinnor leading by 17 points to 3 they appeared to be coasting to victory as their pack had exerted pressure and been disrupting the Clifton line out.

The Clifton spirit and refusal to submit then clicked into gear with three tries converted by debutant Chris Leversley coming in quick succession to give them a seven point lead approaching full time. It was Leversley’s speed and quick thinking which inspired Clifton attacks often out of defensive positions. His early penalty kept his team in touch.

Chinnor though had the final say when Fijian Orisi Nawaqaliva crossed on full time to allow Jonny Bentley to convert and secure the draw. Bentley had kicked well for position throughout the game .

It was Chinnor who started strongly with Phil Chesters crossing early on and he scored again early in the second half with Bentley converting one of his tries. Captain Danny Barnes had also run strongly to score immediately after the interval for Bentley to convert.

The Clifton resurgence was led by skipper Andy Chesters who powered over from short range and then Henry Harper found a gap in the Chinnor defence. Full back Callum Roberts then finished off a strong touch line move.

Clifton will take pride in their resilience and Chinnor may question how the game got away from them.

Clifton
Tries [60] Harper [64] Roberts [73]
Penalties Leversey [12]
Conversions Leversley [60, 64, 73]

Chinnor
Tries Chesters [6&47] Barnes [42] Nawaqaliva [79]
Conversions Bentley [47 &79]