Stewart Maguire and Hugo Ellis’ braces saw Park to a nervy 38-31 win over Chinnor at The Rock, keeping up pressure on league-leaders Old Elthamians and Ampthill.

Kieran Power’s side came back from 14-0 down after seven minutes, scoring four first-half tries. Arthur Ellis and Adam Frampton also got on the board as Chinnor secured scoring and losing bonus points.


Henry Robinson hits the defence

Chinnor got off to the best start when Hoadley went over after only two minutes, soaring through space in the middle.
And they doubled the lead five minutes later through Jubb, intercepting William’s long pass to go under the posts. But Park got on the board within minutes, Maguire finishing a maul on the left wing.

The home side dominated play for 15 minutes and were rewarded with an Arthur Ellis maul – but Leonard could not convert for the equaliser. Hugo gave Park the lead six minutes later, though, with a pick-and-go from the scrum.

The bonus point was secured with three minutes to half time, Park’s number-eight getting his second try of the game on the post. Chinnor cut the gap to seven points when Jonathan Hopkin kicked a penalty through the middle. But Park were straight back at them for the restart, Maguire scoring after five minutes.

Tubb finished off a slick move for the visitors 20 minutes later to keep Chinnor in the chase.
Frampton put the game to bed with five minutes to go, though, leaping over the ruck majestically.

Chinnor secured a losing bonus when Joseph sprinted through on the right in the final minute.

Park head up the River Thames to face south-west London rivals Esher at Moseley Road next week. The Lions were dragged further into the relegation with a 24-17 loss to Darlington Mowden Park. Park will be hoping to use derby day to set some wrongs right after their surprise 25-17 loss at The Rock in November.

Rosslyn Park
Tries: Maguire 12, 45, Ellis A 27, Ellis H 33, 37, Frampton 74
Conversions: Leonard 13, 38, 46, 75
Penalties:
Team (15-9/1-8): Russell Weir; Bam Fadahunsi, Henry Robinson, Joe Munro, Charlie Amesbury; Harry Leonard, Ben Williams (Greg Lound 65); Ali Wade (Maguire 72), Arthur Ellis (Owen Hughes 57), Stewart Maguire (Nick Lovell 54/ Wade 79); Adam Frampton, Gregor Gillanders; Henry Spencer (Hugh Tizard 65), Jack Barnard (Ellis A 69), Hugo Ellis © (Dan Laventure 62)

Attendance: 650
Referee: Dr Jonathan Cook


Warren Muggleton @WMuggleton

images: David E Whittam

March 3, 2019