Sat 29 Jan 2005
Wallingford 30 Chipping Norton 23 (23.10.04)
Wallingford Get out of jail
Despite the wintry conditions both teams made the best of things to bring about a thrilling game which Wallingford only just edged. The strong wind gave Chipping Norton an advantage in the first half, which their fly-half Adam Smith made the most of with long downfield kicks. The Chipping Norton forwards enjoyed this territorial pressure and forced tries for Smith and their No8.
Wallingford’s poor rucking gave away 2 penalties which Smith duly dispatched along with 2 conversions. Wallingford scored a penalty from virtually their only sustained attack of the half to leave the score 20-3 to the visitors at half-time.
The Wallingford team had a roasting from their coaches at half-time and now with the wind at their backs slowly got back into the game. First, wing Gavin Hull went in near the corner after some slick handling by the centres, but soon after Chipping Norton extended their lead with another Smith penalty.
Captain and make shift scrum-half Olli Henderson then stumbled through to score near the posts and Wallingford’s encouraged forwards began to push the Chipping Norton pack back. Some quick play at the ruck allowed second row Russell Fowler to score. At this point the game was anybody’s and Wallingford snatched it with a try by full-back Henry Venners, which Henderson converted. On another day Wallingford might not have had enough time to get back into the game but there was much relief come the final whistle. Final score Wallingford 30-Chipping Norton 23.
