Cave hits a hat-trick to put Chinnor in the clear

■By CÓILÍN DUFFY

Chinnor ………… 48pts

Tries: Robinson 2, Cave 19, 45, 69; Wharton 32, Moore 40, Pascoe 57 Conversions: Simpson 3, 33, 40, 58, 70 Penalty: Bourton 74

Caldy ……………..36pts

Tries: Hearn 11, 21, 29; Hyde 14, 72; Ridgway 51 Conversions: Wilkinson 22, 51; Barker 72

CHINNOR secured an entertaining win at Kingsley Road on a perfect afternoon for rugby, with a vocal travelling support making the 189-mile journey from the Wirral. In a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout, the hosts pulled clear in the final quarter to claim a deserved win.

The first half set the tone, with both sides trading scores in a breathless opening 40 minutes. Brodie Robinson struck early for Chinnor, converted by Richie Simpson, but Caldy responded through Oliver Hearn, who would go on to complete a hat-trick before half-time. Charlie Hyde also crossed for the visitors, while William Cave’s first try and further scores from Isaiah Wharton and Christopher Moore helped Chinnor edge into a 26–22 lead at the break.

The back-and-forth nature of the opening period was summed up by Chinnor forward Rob Hardwick afterwards. “It was a ping-pong game,” he said. “We felt like we were on top and then we shot ourselves in the foot a few times and let them back in.”

Chinnor started the second half strongly, with Cave forcing his way over, but Caldy remained firmly in the contest. A turnover in midfield and an intelligent kick from Kieran Wilkinson set up Callum Ridgway to score under the posts.

However, the hosts began to assert control as the game wore on. Replacement Callum Pascoe made an immediate impact, scoring within minutes of his introduction to extend Chinnor’s

lead. Cave completed his hat-trick soon after, while Simpson’s influence from the tee helped maintain a cushion.

Caldy continued to threaten, particularly out wide, and Hyde’s second try – converted by Lewis Barker – ensured a tense finish. But Chinnor held firm, with a late penalty from James Bourton sealing the result.

Despite the late pressure, Hardwick felt his side deserved the win. “We always felt we were in control… the momentum did shift a few times, but we showed throughout the game that we were on top,” he said.

The result sees Chinnor strengthen their position in mid-table, while Caldy take a losing bonus point from an entertaining encounter that showcased attacking rugby from both sides.