Five Points On the Road

Match Report

It had been a long time coming but, finally, National League One rugby was back for the dogs last weekend as they travelled to Oxfordshire to play Chinnor.

Resplendent in their new Supro away kit, the boys were hoping for a fast start, but found themselves behind after less than a minute as full-back, Oscar Heath, sprinted through a sizeable gap in the defensive line to score with ease.

Chinnor 7 Sale 0

Shellshocked by the early setback, Sale were soon under pressure again, this time from the bulky home pack, and were powerless to prevent a second try from flanker, Max Clementson.

Chinnor 14 Sale 0

Undeterred, the dogs began to gain some territory and struck back as the ball was moved wide for winger, Tom Brady, to evade several would-be tacklers and dive over in the corner. Chris Johnson adding a fine conversion.

Chinnor 14 Sale 7

The hosts added a couple of penalty kicks to stretch the score, and despite some good attacking opportunities, Sale were unable to hold onto the ball at crucial moments.

This was to prove pivotal as, with the last play of the half, the black and whites extended their lead further with a fast break leading to scrum half, Luke Carter, scoring under the posts.

HT Chinnor 27 Sale 7

The second half started with the boys firmly on the front foot and their efforts were finally rewarded with a fine try, Jack Metcalf showing tremendous footie skills to kick the ball on three times from deep before replacement scrum half, Callum Morris, dotted down.

Chinnor 27 Sale 14

Back came the hosts again with the forwards again to the fore and, after several pick and goes, Conor-Terrah Brockschmidt scored the bonus point and, ultimately, decisive try.

Chinnor 34 Sale 14

With less than 10 minutes remaining, Chris Johnson opted to kick to touch from 25m out and the decision paid immediate dividends as the lineout was won and replacement prop and debutant, Tumy Onasanya, crashed over the line.

Chinnor 34 Sale 21

Despite their best endeavours, the fourth try was to prove elusive for the dogs and Chinnor held on for a deserved victory.

FT Chinnor 34 Sale 21

 

Highlights Video (apologies there was no sound on the video)

 

This weekend we travel to Chinnor to take on the third placed team in the league. With a record of 6 wins 2 draws and 3 losses, they have 36 points and are only two points behind both Blackheath and Old Elthamians. Sale FC Rugby, got back to winning ways last week with a five point haul against bottom of the league Loughborough Students.  Saturday will see a debut for winger Billy Warra who starts at 11 in place of Paolo Odogwu.

We also see a change at Fly Half with Matt Sturgess replacing Kieran Wilkinson. Trivia Fact for this weekend, Chinnor is David Seymour’s original club as a mini and junior as well as playing senior rugby before moving to Saracens and then Sale Sharks.