Abingdon Rugby Club

Chinnor kicked off this return friendly on their number one pitch, with a quite tricky side wind swirling across from the left. Abingdon travelled with only one substitute player having lost 4 players to illness/injury and 2 to other commitments. This would be a test.
This wind was immediately a factor, as the ball veered from the kick and presented Abingdon with the chance to run.
Alex Lushington takes the ball and runs until tackled, passes out to Sam Iwanscak, onto Aled Newton, and finally out to Gareth Gray who charges in for a try on the wing. Great handling skills , and awareness made for an impressive opening 3 minutes. Not converted 0 - 5.
The restart saw Abingdon push again with Ben Kili ripping the ball, then the two Alex’s , Lushington amd Lungu, both carrying the ball into the Chinnor defence. Some good defending saw Chinnor stop this attack , and go on the attack themselves.
The game flowed back and forth now, and the two sides seemed to match each other. A jinking run by Ben Kili, a clearance from Abingdon’s 5 metre by Dan Mould, charges by Will Barker, Alex Lungu, Aled Newton, and a great run by Jorges Cabral that was stopped just short, but each met with a hold, then counter by Chinnor. One of these counters is kicked back to touch by Thomas Mooring , with an accurate kick that regained between 45 and 50 yards!
Another attack started in Abingdon’s half. Dan Mould carries deep, pops the ball to Alex Lushington who carries, then passes to Dougie Broad running at speed toward the corner, a pass just short of the line, and Ben Kili goes over for a well deserved try. Thomas Mooring kicks a vast one out of his hands to try to counter the mini gale blowing from his side, and frustratingly hits the far post.
0 - 10.
Special mention is due to this kick, as it is the only one by any player on either team that actually defeated the wind, and went anywhere near it’s target.
Again a team attack by Ben Kili, Dan, Will and Aled, sees Abingdon win a scrum on Chinnor’s 5 metre. The scrum holds firm, and James Hartley picks up the ball, races round the blindside, and leaps over for a brilliant opportunist try. Not converted. 0 - 15.
Attack immediately from the restart, and this time Thomas Mooring crashes through the middle of Chinnor’s defence carrying four players with him, but passes cleanly as he is brought down, and Alex Lushington drives further, and over for try number four. Not converted 0 - 20.
Half time is blown.
The half started as the first had finished, and a run by Dan and Jorge sees Abingdon contesting a lineout deep in Chinnor’s half. The ball is won, a driving maul forms moving at pace up field, a ruck with Abingdon presenting a beautiful ball for captain Gus Bremner to snatch up and run 10 yards , slipping tackles and diving in for a try. Not converted. 0 - 25.
Although this score looked bad for Chinnor it in no way reflected any lack of determination or effort on their behalf, and every point was hard earned by Abingdon in the face of some determined defence.
The lack of replacements had to tell eventually and some of Abingdon’s players had not been out of the action since kick off. This was especially true of the pack and Ben Hedges at 9, who had been non stop.
Chinnor were still looking for every chance to attack, and their moment came mid half, when a well worked move passed the ball out to the wing, and in for an unconverted try. 5 - 25
Both teams spent the next 5 minutes mid pitch, with some great handling and possession by Abingdon being matched by continued pressure by Chinnor.
Chinnor chip the ball through and Dan Mould has to chase back as the only defender, with two attackers hard on his heels. Panic isn’t in Dan’s vocabulary obviously, as he calmly waits until the ball pops up, scoops it in, turns on the run, and takes defence into attack with a run and chip to touch.
Chinnor get the try they deserve in the final seconds, as sustained pressure sees their huge number 18 drive through Abingdon’s defence and fall, tree-like over the line. Unconverted 10 - 25. Whistle sounds.

A great game to watch, and fantastic to see a hotly contested game played with fairness and spirit on both sides. Chinnor are a developing team, and the improvements over our last meeting were plain to see. Always a pleasure to visit and host this team, whatever the result.

Funny moment of the match : Easy one this. Will Barker is tap tackled as he makes a run for the line. In an effort to stay on his feet he becomes a human windmill. Arms, legs, and all other extremities go into a wild whirl. William Van De Barker will be playing for Holland before you know it!

The scram down : A tale of two foods. The HUGE floury bap which resembled a dustbin lid in size was stuffed to the limit with two rashers and two sausages for £2.50p. With my suspect back, I had to bend my knees to pick this monster up. Scores a very good 8.5 on the buttyometer!
The after match cheesy pasta was according to the lads, an acquired taste.

Guest player : We really needed an extra player this week, so when the strongest prop in the world, Andrew Sheridan offered to help, we were very pleased. Andrew is an almost elite class power lifter able to bench press 33 stone, is 6ft 5 tall, and weighs 19st 10.
What we didn’t forsee, was the trouble this might cause. Paul offered to give Andrew a lift to the game in ‘The Merc’.
Andrew opened the passenger door, and immediately apologised to Paul, explaining…”Sorry mate, it just kinda fell off” While handing over the twisted metal.
He jumped into the passenger seat, and an almighty great TWANG sounded as two shock absorbers shot through the bonnet and the seat collapsed.
“Safety first “said Andrew, as he tugged on the seatbelt. This pulled the door pillar into the car with a screech of tortured steel. Before Paul could stop him, Andrew has tried to turn on the radio, and pushed the whole unit through the dashboard and into the engine bay.
‘The Merc’ was by this time looking like Coco the clown’s exploding yellow comedy car, but rather more damaged, and Paul is staring in horror at his pride and joy.
“Awwwww I’m really sorry Mr. Paul, I guess I don’t know my own strength” apologised Andrew……….and slapped Paul on the back.
Now if anyone finds Paul, could they please return him to Abingdon? We searched a 5 mile radius, but no sign, so might have to widen the area.
It was decided that taking Mr. Sheridan to a clubhouse on two levels was not a wise move, so we had to let him go for this match. Shame really, might have been useful last week. Thanks anyway Andrew.

The voice from the dugout : Well done lads a good performance, some well worked team try's, none of which were gifted to us. A bit to on defensive awareness before we go toe to toe with our old friends Chippy next weekend.

Many thanks to Chinnor for their hospitality.

Simon