05/10/08 Match Report from Chippy

Bicester ‘B’ 27 v Chipping Norton ‘A’ 12

Bicester earned a commendable win over a Chippy side much improved in terms of their forwards strength to compliment their talented backs. The boys fully deserved the spoils from a closely fought match, having stuck to a game plan of short passing, close support and multi phase rucking to suit the prevailing wet conditions. Captain Ollie Cavey lead from the front, supported by a pack all of whom were prepared to take to ball to Chippy, numerous carries and strong rucking from each of the 8 formed the base for dominating possession. Conor White was often first at the breakdown creating plenty of turnover ball. The backs defended well throughout to deny Chippy’s backs a scoring opportunity, Harry Court impressed at both scrum half and fly half with some good sniping breaks and a high tackle count.

Bicester piled on early pressure and having camped out in Chippy’s half for the opening period were rewarded with the first score when Marcus Linfoot intelligently picked up off the back of a scrum 10m out to take a blindside burst for the try line. Nobody could catch the Pigeon. Chippy reacting well to raise their game in the contact area, forced play into Bicester’s 22 and eventually levelled the score with a decisive finish from loose play. Ollie put the visitors ahead from short range after more forwards pressure. Bicester built up the pressure with some strong breaks by Antony Iveson amongst others, which were always well supported. Good movement created a scoring chance for Giles Baldwin, but he was held up on the try line. With the balance tipping our way despite several handling errors, Ed Mawdsley extended the lead before the break with a terrific solo effort from his own half, he handed off a couple of tacklers before opening up down the right wing to finish under the posts. Ollie added the extras, HT 17-5.

The forwards battle intensified throughout the second half and was very enjoyable to watch. Chippy often taking the maul option to surge up-field, but with Bicester equal to it and showing better control in the rucks, Chippy gave away too many penalties and found themselves on the back foot as Bicester repeatedly opted to run. Ed broke free from 10m out to score his second in the corner, Ollies conversion attempt is best not described!
The boys got themselves in trouble by failing to clear in front of their posts and were punished by Chippy’s No8 who piled through to score. Antony capped his performance with his first try for the Club, with Chippys forwards sucked in left of the posts quick ball through 9 and 10 gave him the opening and he made no mistake with a powerful finish. The game ended with a question mark in the minds of the fantastic and thirsty travelling supporters, as Ed crossed the line but lost the ball forward, jug avoidance?

Well done to the lads for a real team effort, and thanks to Harry Bishop for putting his hand up for Fullback.

Try Scorers: Marcus Linfoot, Ollie Cavey, Ed Mawdsley (2), Antony Iveson

Conversion: Ollie Cavey

Players Man of Match: Antony Iveson

Coaches Man of Match: Antony Iveson (A great first full game edging out Conor and Ed)