U14s in County Cup Final for 4th year in a row

Bicester 30 v Chinnor 12

What should have been the highlight of the season so far, for two talented sides playing under floodlights for the first time for a place in the Cup Final, resulted in a match which was to large degree spoiled by the referee. Both teams were prevented from creating more than a couple of phases at a time due to the constant stream of penalties and stoppages, resulting in a fairly anti-climatic game which was a big disappointment to all involved and the large number of enthusiastic supporters. The players from both teams were exceptional in maintaining such good discipline throughout under difficult circumstances, attempting to get on with the game. The best thing to come out of the evening is the improved strength of the already good relationship between these two clubs and we thank Chinnor for their part in that.

Bicester started brightly forcing play into Chinnors half. Good pressure in defence from the centres forced loose ball which Chris Nourse was first to, his kick through was picked up by Dan Rowland who finished in the right hand corner for the first score. Bicesters second came shortly after when a quickly taken penalty was moved across the centres out left, Chinnor were able to stop the attack but were short of numbers as Bicester recycled quick ball for Ed Mawdsley to finish from close range.

Chinnor responded well to going 10-0 down so early to build pressure of their own, enjoying a sustained period of attack. A kick and chase was well dealt with by fullback Tim Price but the 22 drop out that followed was sliced, Chinnor collected on the left wing and scored a well finished try by stepping inside the last tackler to put themselves right back into the game. However Bicester were quickly able to extend their lead, the move started when a big hit by Henry Gayler led to turnover ball, William Allen-Miles took the ball on and set well, the ball moved out wide where Tom Burrell collected on the 22 and showed great pace down the left wing to score, Dan added the conversion. Henry made a decisive break cutting inside twice before feeding winger Antony Iveson who sprinted for the corner, a good cover tackle forced Antony into touch 5m short. As Bicester stole at the lineout, Chinnor were penalised, Mats Venning took the quick option and fed James Grosvenor who crashed straight through the defence for a try. HT 22-5.

Chinnor rallied after the break taking the game to Bicester with a lengthy period of play in our 22. Bicester were repeatedly penalised during this period, and suffered with 2 players being sin binned. Chinnor scored immediately after the second yellow card and converted to pull back to 22-12. Bicester showed great character coupled with good decision making whilst down to 13 men. Ed Mawdsley led the defence tackling anything that moved, Henry covered the centres and when a penalty was awarded elected to kick making sure Antony used the full minute to add the 3 points. With the sin bins over, Bicester controlled the closing period and were able to add another score through James G off the back of a scrum from 22m out. They now wait to find out whether they will meet Oxford or Banbury in their fourth consecutive County Cup Final.

One more individual mention, Ollie Cassidy put in seasons best performance which was not lost on the watching County Coach who has since approached Ollie. On the subject of County, for anyone interested the first full blown County match is to be played on Wed 04 March v Warwickshire at Chinnor again under floodlights with a 6.30 kick-off, Henry has been selected to start at openside flanker and we wish him a good game.

Try Scorers: Dan Rowland, Ed Mawdsley, Tom Burrell, and James Grosvenor (2)

Conversion: Dan Rowland

Penalty: Antony Iveson

Coaches Man of Match: Ed Mawdsley