Chippenham quell Quins with 14-34 win away

The boys took to the field after another break, albeit an unexpected one due to last week’s “Beast from the East.”Match report from Mr Dan Carter

Coaches John Brown and Chippenham’s self proclaimed “Pest from the West,” welsh Dale Burn did have concerns about being caught cold due the hiatus, though they need not have worried as their players returned home with a confident bonus point win.

Chippenham captain Ryan Surry elected to play the first half into the wind, meaning they received the first kick. An efficient chase from the Quins led to a converted shot at goal for the home side following handling on the floor by Chippenham. A similar penalty was picked up by Quins and was also converted. The response was quick from Chippenham. Will Waddington returned a clearance kick down the left wing with a sharp run, before offloading to Baci Wilson, who tapped down under the posts.

Jacob Unwin continued his impressive try scoring form with blistering pace and his Trademark show and go! A third Oxford penalty followed, then a bit of chaos and their first try of the game - 14-14. It then took a lesson in try scoring from Mr Gary Champion to put Chippenham back in the lead. A third successful conversion from fly half Dan Wainwright, meant the boys in red were up by 7 at the turn of the half. 14-21

It was Chippenham’s turn to exploit the wind, and the message at half time was to do just that. Excellent performances from Wainwright and Waddington meant any sniff of useful Oxford territory was quickly stifled through perfect touch-finders. After 10 minutes of broken play, the former nailed a penalty, thanks to henry kirkpatrick’s excellent restraint when opposition players confronted him.

Strong forward play followed. Prop Josh Lever, 18, who has been at the club since being a mini, combined well with strong carries and smart tip ons on his senior debut. Keen to continue this momentum, Chippenham marched up the field with strong, though also well worked, disguised runs. After filling in for yours truly on the wing due to a hamstring injury (yes 19 y/o's can get those as well) Miles Davies, back in at hooker, eventually went over for Chippenham’s fourth and bonus point try. A Wainwright penalty followed before the final whistle. The game ended 34-14.

Although being dealt with a few injuries and absences, both before and during the game, Chippenham were able to use their depth to their advantage. As well as Josh Lever, Ben Thomas also made his mark during his first CRFC start, on the flank with some classy, Cornish turnovers. Returning players like Champion and Henry Corp slotted in seamlessly, whilst the usual CRFC stalwarts continued their own purple patches.

Next week sees the rearranged fixture against league leaders Old Pats at Allington Fields. After being beaten 53 points to 22 on the away fixture, Chippenham are preparing to produce a spectacle capable of reviving what was meant to be a Six Nations Super Saturday (for those of you who are are unlucky enough to be English anyway!!!!!).