Chinnor 19-36 Doncaster Knights ( att : 1,523 ) – 2025/26 English Champ

February 20, 2026

Two weeks ago, Hartpury University did a thoroughly professional job to leave Kingsey Road with a 39-21 victory. However, last weekend Chinnor recovered to grab a 30-29 win at lowly Ampthill, securing victory with a 78^th minute try from Keiran Goss, and then had to watch a long-distance Ampthill penalty sail wide of the posts before they could celebrate their 5 point win.

That victory kept Chinnor in 6^th place in the Champ table, whilst tonight’s visitors were in 10^th place. Doncaster Knights were playing Friday Night Lights !

Previous Meetings

The first ever meeting between Chinnor and Doncaster was extremely eventful, as the game last December was played in the middle of Storm Darragh, and was certainly the worst I had ever seen any sporting event played in. Full credit was due to both sides for fully committed performances in atrocious conditions, but with Chinnor leading 18-13 with 12 minutes remaining, the floodlights failed due to a local power cut. After an hour of confusion, the match was abandoned, and following a review by the RFU, the score stood as over 60 minutes had been played.

Doncaster got their revenge with a convincing 38-14 victory in the spring, which was part of a run of 10 wins to finish the season that saw the Knights climb up to third place.

In the first meeting this season between the two sides, Chinnor achieved their first ever win at a full-time professional side with a 23-21 victory in rain sodden conditions. A penalty 20 minutes from time gave Chinnor the lead, which they were successfully able to defend.

Doncaster This Season

With Doncaster being the only side in the Champ to meet the promotion criteria ( ignoring Worcester who didn’t meet the deadline to apply for promotion as they said they wanted at least another season to consolidate after their re-formation ), most supporters in the Champ were hoping that they would make a spirited attempt to overcome the Premiership ring-fencing.

However, results so far this season had been poor, and three weeks ago it was announced that for next season the Knights would be moving to a hybrid model, with the existing professionals remaining full-time, but new signings would become part-time. That said, it wasn’t too clear exactly how this model would work !

Doncaster had started the season reasonably well, and despite an opening day 8-26 loss at Nottingham and a 15-15 draw at Cornish Pirates, they impressively beat Worcester Warriors 34-31 in week 4.

Three consecutive losses followed before beating Coventry 24-21 at home, and a creditable 33-33 draw at Hartpury, but a surprising home loss to Ampthill followed. Although a comfortable 31-7 victory was clocked up at Richmond, Knights then lost at struggling London Scottish, at home to Caldy and then become the only side to fail to beat Cambridge after a 12-12 draw.

Doncaster’s poor results had been attributed to up to 15 of their squad missing through injuries but as some started to return, convincing wins home over Cornish Pirates ( 44-12 ) and second placed Bedford Blues ( 50-12 ) were recorded, in-between a narrow 20-25 loss at Worcester Warriors.

Doncaster’s average home attendance so far this season was 1,590, with 2,087 seeing the victory over Worcester. Last season their average was 1,367.

Doncaster Squad

Twelve of the Knights squad that beat Bedford last weekend appeared in last season’s Storm Darragh affected match, with another four on the current injury list. Number 8 Morgan Strong was now playing for Coventry whilst winger Malakai Wacokecoke was currently turning out for Cornish side Camborne in level 4.

Newcomers for Doncaster this season included winger Ryan Olowofela from Nottingham to join his brother Jordan, Samoan Under 20 international lock East Timor Viliamu ( probably the only player in the Champ named after an Asian island ! ) and ex-Scarlets lock Morgan Jones. Centre Joe Margetts returned to the club after a season playing in France and ex-Chinnor lock Ehize Ehizode joined from Ealing Trailfinders.

Fly-half Russell Bennett was the leading points scorer on 114 points, whilst wing Zach Kerr topped the try scoring list on 9, followed by Margetts on 6.

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner, the journey from Doncaster to Thame is just under 160 miles and normally takes about three hours.

Adult tickets purchased online were £16 and £20 at the gate and an online programme had been prepared in advance of today’s game.

The usual food vendors were in attendance today and with the members’ discount a pint of Brooklyn IPA was £5.36 and a pint of XT4 was £5.18.

There had been a lot of rain over the past week, and throughout most of the afternoon, but the rain had ceased well before the 19.45 kick-off time and the forecast was to remain dry for the game. The temperature was 9 degrees, but the infamous Chinnor breeze was mostly absent.

Similar to the game against Hartpury two weeks ago, a few patches of sand had been applied to the pitch, which looked heavy, especially towards the ring-road end, and would cut up as the game progressed.

Doncaster announced just one change to their starting XV that thrashed Bedford Blues with Canadian Cole Keith ( 40 caps ) replacing Joe Jones at tight-head prop. Jones had this week signed a deal with Harlequins for the rest of the season.

Chinnor made four changes to their side that won last week at Ampthill. Centre Morgan Passman swopped with James Bourton for his first start of the season, hooker Chris Moore exchanged places with Alun Walker, and on-loan Ealing Trailfinder New Zealander Harry Taylor also made his first start for Chinnor in the back-row with Will Cave dropping to the bench. There was also a welcome return from injury for fly-half Nathan Chamberlain with Joe Brock missing out from the matchday squad.

Doncaster were in a change kit of mostly blue shirts with pink sleeves and shoulders, and pink shorts, with large numbers on their backs which were easy to see, well at least untidy they got muddy ! Chinnor were in their usual black and white hoops with black shorts and socks.

Match Report

Chinnor kicked off towards the ring-road end and a fumble at the opening ruck by Doncaster scrum-half Alex Dolley gave Chinnor a scrum on the Doncaster 22. Chinnor attacked down the blindside from the scrum, and then spread the ball wide only for Goss to be tackled short of the line. However, a penalty advantage had been played, and Chinnor kicked the penalty to 5 metres. Lock Jamie Campbell won the line out for Chinnor but although the rolling maul was halted, scrum-half Luke Carter weaved his way between two defenders and over the line. Chamberlain failed to add the extras though so it was 5-0 with 3 minutes played.

Carter returned the restart with a high kick which Campbell tapped back, but Chinnor were offside, and Doncaster kicked the penalty to 15 metres from the Chinnor line. The line out was messy, with both sides judged to have knocked out with Chinnor being first, so the scrum went to the Knights.

Doncaster won a penalty at the scrum and kicked to 5 metres, but the referee deemed the line-out to be not straight. Doncaster won a consecutive penalty at the scrum as it collapsed. This time Doncaster opted to go for a tap. However, it wasn’t taken to the referee’s satisfaction, who awarded a scrum to Chinnor.

Chinnor’s scrum was under pressure but Izzy Wharton picked up from the base of the scrum and took play to Chinnor’s 22 and Carter was able to clear to touch. Doncaster’s line-out was thrown too long but they were able to retrieve the loose ball, and when they tried to go wide, Chinnor full-back Nick Smith attempted to intercept a long miss pass but was unable to hold on and knocked the ball forward into touch.

Strangely, the referee gave a line-out to Doncaster rather than a penalty for a knock-on, but after Doncaster won their line-out, centre Connor Edwards made a good break through the centre of the Chinnor defence, but when the visitors reworked possession, the kick ahead was too strong and went dead for a scrum to Chinnor 25 metres from their line.

This time the Chinnor scrum was steady and again they worked the ball down the blindside to get to their 10-metre line. Both sides engaged in a bout of kick tennis until Doncaster were ruled to have been offside.

Chinnor kick to 5 metres, Campbell won the line-out but the rolling maul was stopped, as were several drives for the line and eventually the Chinnor pack was held up over the line. However, another penalty advantage had been played, and Chinnor were back with a 5-metre line-out.

Conor Brockschmidt won the line-out this time for Chinnor but the Doncaster defence was good, forcing Chinnor to give the ball to their backs, and although the ball was dropped backwards, Chinnor recovered possession but their next attack was halted by the referee who deemed Chinnor to have been guilty of crossing.

Doncaster secured their ball from the scrum 10 metres from their line and kicked into the Chinnor half where wing Freddie Owsley made the catch and released Smith to run into the Doncaster half. Chinnor lost the ball and a Doncaster kick bounced into touch on the Chinnor 22.

The Chinnor throw went over the top and Doncaster gathered. The Knights had a penalty advantage but Bennett dropped a pass so it was back for the penalty, which Bennett kicked to 5 metres. The line-out was won and a smart off-load from hooker Ben Chapman released Olowofela to burst through near the corner and then run round under the posts. Bennett added the simple conversion, taking the score to 5-7 after 22 minutes.

Another bout of kick tennis ensued after the restart until Chamberlain kicked the ball into touch for a Doncaster line-out on the Chinnor 10 metre line. Doncaster won their line-out and Margetts made a break through the middle. The ball was worked to Tongan full-back Koleti Veainu ( 16 caps ) who ran down the touchline and an inside pass enabled Olowofela to run to the corner. Bennett’s attempted conversion slid wide of the far post, so the score was now 5-12 with 24 minutes on the clock.

The restart was dropped into touch by Doncaster to give Chinnor the line-out, which was won and spread wide to Goss, who ran into the Doncaster 22 but the pass inside was loose and Doncaster gathered to win a penalty at the subsequent ruck to take play up to half-way.

Doncaster won their line-out but their attempt to break through the centre of the Chinnor defence was stopped. Dolley launched the ball into orbit but a Doncaster player knocked on in the aerial challenge resulting in a scrum to a Chinnor on their 10-metre line. However, the Doncaster pack won another scrum penalty.

Chinnor’s attempt to steal the line-out resulted in a knock-on, and from the scrum another run from Veainu led to an overhead pass to Olowofela, who jinked his way through a crowd of defenders to score in the corner for a superb try and his hat-trick. Bennett’s attempted conversion again sailed wide of the far upright making the score 5-17 with 32 minutes played.

Doncaster knocked on at the restart but when Chinnor moved the ball from the scrum a knock-on gave Donny the scrum on their 22. The Knights kicked long from their scrum forcing Smith to kick to touch to give the visitors a line-out on the Chinnor 10 metre line. Doncaster attempted a short throw to the front of the line-out but the ball was dropped, but when Chinnor attacked they too dropped the ball, and Doncaster were able to send a kick bouncing into touch just inside the Chinnor 22.

After Campbell won the lineout Chinnor won a penalty at the subsequent ruck, but a Doncaster tap stole the line-out on half-way. After failing to make progress from moving the ball wide, a high ball was launched which the Knights won. Kerr made a strong run down the left-hand touchline and a smart inside pass was perfectly timed for number 8 Jasper McGuire to burst through to score the Knights fourth try of the evening. Bennett added an excellent conversion, moving the score to 5-24 with 39 minutes played.

Doncaster won a penalty at the restart, and after a scruffy tap at the following line-out they opted to kick into touch to end the half. After Chinnor had dominated the opening 20 minutes but failed to turn territory into points, Doncaster had stormed back to score four tries, with their back three looking very impressive.

Doncaster started the second half, but Chinnor ran back to their 10-metre line and then kicked into the Doncaster 22, where Veianu picked up and ran to his 10 metre line until being flattened by a good tackle. Doncaster kicked high but were caught offside, but the Chinnor line-out 20 metres from the Knights line was judged to be not straight.

It looked like there was a clear knock-on by McGuire at the base of the Doncaster scrum, but the referee allowed play to continue, and the Knights kicked to half-way and somehow had the throw at the line-out. Doncaster won the line-out and moved the ball wide but Chinnor were mysteriously awarded a scrum near the half-way line, and sent a kick bouncing into touch inside the Doncaster 22. The Knights won their line out and kicked to Owsley on the halfway line, and Carter launched a box kick at the subsequent ruck but Chinnor were offside. Doncaster were back inside the Chinnor 22.

Chinnor won the Donny throw and Cave charged up to the half-way line but several Chinnor attacks failed to progress beyond half-way, forcing Carter to kick again where Veianu spilled the high ball. Chinnor gathered but then squandered the loose ball and a fly-hack sent the ball into the Chinnor half. A return kick then saw Olowofela go scorching down the touchline into the Chinnor 22. After he was stopped, Doncaster had many close range drives for the try-line which were thwarted. Eventually, they looked up and saw acres of space out wide, and a long pass enabled Veianu to have a clear run over the whitewash. Bennett’s conversion was good, taking the score to 5-31 with 51 minutes played.

Shortly after the restart, Smith dropped a high kick and when Doncaster spread the ball, Veianu sent a grubber kick ahead and was tackled off the ball by Passman, who unsurprisingly was shown a yellow card.

Doncaster kicked to inside the Chinnor 22, but good defence led to a penalty for Chinnor, which took them back to half-way. Chinnor won their line-out and Chamberlain made a good break then chipped ahead, forcing the covering Doncaster defender to take the ball into touch 10 metres from their line. Not for the first time in the evening, a catch by Campbell was ruled to be not straight.

Doncaster won a penalty at the ruck after the scrum, taking them back to the half-way line. Jones won their line-out and Dolly kicked high for Goss to make an excellent catch, and The Knights were pinged for offside.

Chinnor were back inside the Doncaster 22 and Scott Hall won the lineout and when Chinnor moved the ball, Owsley was tackled 10 metres short of the line, and Doncaster won turnover ball. For a few scary moments for the Knights the ball bounced across the tryline as the Knights attempted to attack from their own line, until replacement scrum-half Fox hoofed the ball into touch.

Hall won another line-out for Chinnor and Chinnor moved the ball wide, but unfortunately for them, after Ealing loanee Brodie Robinson had made a strong run, his pass to Owsley went behind the winger and into touch.

Campbell won the Doncaster throw but after some messy play, a pass was dropped with a penalty advantage. Chinnor kicked the penalty into the Doncaster 22, where the lineout was won, the rolling maul rumbled forward and another penalty advantage was awarded. When the play came to nothing, Doncaster centre Edwards was shown a yellow card for his team, being the last offender after a number of infringements.

Campbell again won the Chinnor 5 metre line-out but the rolling maul was stopped and Doncaster were awarded a penalty for reasons not too obvious. Doncaster won their line-out and the sides exchanged high kicks until Robinson made a break, and then Owsley and Bourton exchanged passes taking play into the Doncaster 22. Walker then made a semi-break and offloaded for Cave to charge under the posts. Chamberlain added the extras, taking the score to 12-31 with 70 minutes played.

Doncaster were again caught offside after dropping a high kick shortly after the restart but when Chinnor attacked inside the Knights 22, the visitors won turnover ball. A high clearing kick was dropped backwards by Goss and Doncaster gathered but when Fox kicked high, Doncaster were again pinged for offside, and some backchat took the penalty forward 10 metres, enabling Chinnor to kick within 15 metres.

The game now entered its comedy period. Doncaster lock Ehizode entered the field but it wasn’t obvious who had left the field, and Ehizode took a place amongst the backs rather than the line-out. Chinnor won their line-out and gave the ball to their backs, but a dropped pass went a couple of feet backwards. Amazingly, the referee deemed this to be a knock-on. With several spectators calling out 16 men, I initially assumed this was some comment on bias from the official, until it became apparent that the Knights did indeed have 16 players on the field. After a lengthy discussion between the referee and the 4^th official, it was eventually determined that a penalty should be awarded to Chinnor. Ehizode left the field but did legitimately return a couple of minutes later.

Chinnor kicked to 5 metres, and after winning their line-out Carter headed for the line but was stopped, but Hall was on hand to gather the offload and barged over the line. Chamberlain knocked over the easy conversion so it was 19-31 with 78 minutes played.

Any hopes that Chinnor might grab a four try and get within losing point range were soon dashed when McGuire made yards down the touchline to get deep into the Chinnor 22, and after possession was reworked substitute Andrew Davies was able to dive over in the corner. Bennett’s conversion was low and wide, so the score was 19-36 with 79 minutes played.

Chinnor still had time to try and score another try to claim a bonus point but after Carter made a robust tackle on Veianu at the restart, the referee surprisingly determined that it was worthy of a yellow card, much to the bemusement of Carter and the spectators close to the incident.

Doncaster kicked the penalty off for a line-out and again tried to throw short to the front of the line-out and then looked to break into the Chinnor half, but again the fussy referee saw something amiss with the move.

After not winning any decision at the scrums in the whole game, the referee then decided it was a free-kick in Chinnor’s favour at the scrum, and after Chinnor knocked on in the following move, the referee gave another free-kick to Chinnor at the Doncaster scrum put in.

Chinnor again attempted to spread play, but after Hall made yards into the Doncaster half his attempted offload to release Goss went directly into touch, at which point the referee blew to end the match.

Doncaster were very impressive this evening and totally deserved their 5 point victory, having had the edge in the scrums and their back three looked razor sharp. On this form they are likely to continue their resurgence and should comfortably secure a place in the promotion play-offs, should they indeed happen. Chinnor look like a side in need of a few weeks break……..

 

 

Thame United 4-3 Flackwell Heath ( att : 121 ) – 2025/26 Southern League Division One Central

February 14, 2026

After these diaries reported on Thame’s hard-fought home 1-1 draw against Barton Rovers, they had played just once since, a 5-1 victory at mid-table London Lions, which extended their unbeaten run to 9 matches. Two home mid-week fixtures had been postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

Today’s opponents, Flackwell Heath, had not played since a disappointing 2-2 home draw against second from bottom Rayners Lane on January 24^th, and had played only three times in 2026.

Amazingly, Mrs Fatbear declined the opportunity to spend Valentine’s afternoon watching some non-league football.

Flackwell Heath FC

Flackwell Heath is a village on the outskirts of High Wycombe with an estimated population of around 6,000.

Its football team were founded in 1907 and play at the 2,000 capacity Wilks Parks, which has 150 seats. Flackwell Heath normally play in all red, and their nickname is The Heathens.

In 2023/24, Flackwell Heath were champions of the step 5 Combined Counties Premier Division North to earn promotion to the Southern League Division One Central.  Heath finished 3^rd in their first season back at step 4, but after beating Barton Rovers 2-0 in front of a crowd of 718, they were hammered in the promotion play-off final 0-5 at Berkhamsted.

These diaries witnessed the match at Thame in April, which Flackwell won 2-1 to clinch their place in the promotion play-offs, as 10 man Thame missed an injury time penalty.

Flackwell Heath This Season

Flackwell Heath arrived at the ASM Stadium in 14^th place in the table with a 10-7-9 record, and were a 6-3-4 away from home. Like Thame, Flackwell had played only 26 games but had 9 points fewer, and had three games in hand on the three sides immediately above them.

Heath were on an unbeaten run of 4 games, with a 3-0 home win over Aylesbury United, a 4-2 victory at Stotfold, a 4-0 win at Marlow, before drawing 2-2 at home to Rayners Lane.

Flackwell started the season well, with 3 wins and 3 draws in their first 6 matches before a 2-3 reverse at Biggleswade, which started a run of 6 losses in 7 games. The rot was stopped with two wins and two draws but they then lost three of the next 5 games before the current unbeaten run.

Flackwell had played 8 matches against the current top 8 in the table, and lost all of them, five of them at home ! This included a 1-2 defeat at home to Thame, when Dan West and Curtis Brown had given Thame a 2-0 first half lead. Charlie Bacon, on loan from Oxford City, scored a late consolation for The Heathens.

Flackwell enjoyed an excellent run in the FA Cup, eliminating step 5 Tuffley Rovers and Soul Tower Hamlets, step 3 Lewes, step 3 Bracknell Town in an away replay, before exiting the competition 0-1 in the 4^th Qualifying Round at step 4 Maldon and Tiptree. Flackwell exited the FA Trophy after one match, losing 0-1 at step 4 AFC Porchester.

Flackwell Heath’s average home league attendance to-date this season was 184, the 6^th best in the division, with the highest being 310 for the visit of Aylesbury United during Christmas although the Cup-tie against Bracknell attracted a crowd of 556. Last season’s average was 274. The average for Thame United was 114.

Flackwell Heath Squad

Attacking midfielder Jack Shakespeare was The Heathens top scorer this season with 10 goals, which could give Fatbear plenty of scope for literary puns ! Striker Juwon Akintunde was next on 7 goals.

Four of Flackwell Heath’s squad had played for Thame, centre-backs Callum Mapley and Harry Mepham, and strikers Harlem Hale and Akintunde.

Keeper Henry Upstall had played for Slough Town and Risborough Rangers, midfielder Ben Stallard was ex-Aylesbury United, defender Lewis Pegg was previously with Beaconsfield Town and winger Bruce Ovbiye-Ndang was in the AFC Dunstable side that played at Thame earlier in the season. Defender Lewis Patrick had played for Risborough Rangers and forward Elias Grant played for Beaconsfield at the ASM last season.

Of the side that played at Thame last season, ex-Risborough Rangers and Thame striker Wiktor Makowski, who scored 39 goals in all competitions, is now playing for step 2 Slough Town. Keeper Carl Dennison had also joined Slough whilst ex-Risborough Rangers forward Michael Harding was now playing for step 3 Berkhamsted Town. Louis Walsh had joined Thame United !

Matchday Information

According to AA route planner, the journey from Flackwell Heath to Thame’s ASM Stadium is 24 miles and should normally take half an hour. A healthy number of Heathens fans had made the journey.

After the recent rains, today was a sunny and dry, and the temperature at the 15.00 kick-off was 6 degrees.

Entrance to the game was £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, £3 for Under 16s, whilst under 5s went in for free. A cup of tea was £1.50.

An online programme had been produced for the match and free team-sheets were available at the turnstile.

Flackwell made three changes to the side that started against Rayners Lane with Mapley, Grant and Matt Roberts selected with Akintunde dropping to the bench and Mepham and Pegg missing out. Thame were unchanged from the side that was victorious at London Lions.

Flackwell Heath were playing in a change kit of all yellow, whilst Thame were in their usual red and black stripes.

Matchday Report

Thame kicked off towards the ring road end but very quickly Grant optimistically shot from 35 yards, but the effort trickled through to Thame keeper Matt Crowther.

Flackwell’s bright start continued as Shakespeare released Grant, but this time his 20-yard attempt went high over the bar. Mapley then make a poor clearance which went to Brown but the Thame winger’s long-range shot was blocked and went out for a throw-in close to the corner flag.

Shortly after, Thame right-back Ethan Lack play a through ball down the right-hand channel from which West forced a corner. The delivery from Harry Alexander was headed high into the air but with Flackwell struggling to clear their lines, the referee stopped play as a Flackwell player was lying prone on the floor injured, and play restarted with a drop ball for Heath.

Grant then got past Thame centre-back Finlay Murray only to be brought down 30 yards from the Thame goal on the right-hand side of the pitch. The free-kick was floated into the penalty area but Shakespeare’s header sailed a few feet over the bar.

Thame enjoyed a spell of pressure which was fruitless, and could be described as Much Ado About Nothing. A period of messy play on the edge of the Flackwell area ended with Lack firing a 25-yard effort a couple of yards wide with Walsh unable to get a foot to it.

With a solitary Red Kite patrolling the skies, Thame continued to press and McGuinness need to get an important touch to a through ball from Brown which would have put Alexander clear.

The first proper shot on target came in the 14^th minute. Shakespeare’s pass gave Jamie Ayres the opportunity to run into the Thame penalty area, but his shot from a narrow angle was pushed around the near post by Crowther for Flackwell Heath’s first corner. Crowther flapped unconvincingly at the delivery from Matty Ayres, but Thame were eventually able to clear.

A minute later Lack brought down Grant just outside the Thame penalty area. Matty Ayres took the free-kick, which was missed by everyone, and the ball bounced into the far corner of the goal. Flackwell led 1-0 with 16 minutes played.

Thame’s Jack Tutton then made a late tackle on Jamie Ayres close to the half-way line but the header by McGuiness from the free-kick was an easy save for Crowther.

Out of the blue, Flackwell doubled their lead. Keeper Crowther slipped when attempting a clearing kick, only for the ball to go to Jamie Ayres, who coolly chipped the ball into the unguarded net. It was now 0-2 after 19 minutes.

Thame were in danger of falling apart, and could have fallen further behind when Shakespeare put Grant clear inside the Thame area, but the shot from a tight angle deflected off the foot of Crowther and just wide of the far post for a corner. Crowther again looked uncomfortably from the ball into the 6-yard area. Roberts retrieved the loose ball to cross back into the danger zone but McGuinness headed over the bar from close range.

Grant then had a cross-cum-shot tipped over the bar by Crowther, and the Thame keeper again flapped weakly at Matty Ayres’ set-piece, and Jamie Ayres reacted the quickest to turn the loose ball into the empty net from around 6 yards. Incredibly, after a Comedy of Errors, it was now 0-3 with 29 minutes on the clock.

Two minutes later, another Flackwell attacked needed a foul by Lack near the corner flag to stop the move, and this time Crowther made a confident catch under his crossbar from the free-kick.

Thame looked out for the count but unexpectedly a cross from Alexander was met by West, and the header flew past the keeper to pull a goal back, so it was now 1-3 after 31 minutes.

It was now Flackwell’s turn to look stunned as Alexander’s defence splitting pass enabled Lack to run to the byline, and his cross was acrobatically volleyed home by Walsh from 6 yards. With 2 goals in three minutes, Thame were back in the match at 2-3 with 33 minutes played.

Play became niggly with the referee awarding a couple of soft fouls to Flackwell but ignored a late tackle on Murray, all of which served to fire up the home support. When Stallard was penalised for a foul, some ironic cheers could be heard from the Thame supporters. Mapley then needed to make a last-ditch challenge after the free-kick was headed on, but the flag was raised for off-side.

Thame left-back Callum Hall then caught the eye with two surging runs from inside his own half. The first led to a corner, from which Heath keeper Upstell’s punch was weak but Mark Riddick, sliding in beyond the far post put the ball just wide. The second time, Hall released Brown to run along the by-line but his shot was saved at his near post by Upstell at the expense of a corner.

The visitors were able to defend the Thame set-piece but when Thame played the ball forward again, West’s flick put Walsh clear, and his thunderbolt smashed against the inside of the post and nestled into the opposite corner of the net for his second goal of the game against his former club. Remarkably, with three goals in 10 minutes Thame were back on level terms, making it 3-3 after 41 minutes.

Flackwell Heath were now the team who had appeared to have fallen apart, and Lack put Alexander clear down the right-hand channel, but with Walsh unmarked awaiting a tap-in, the ball in from Alexander went straight to the Flackwell keeper.

Crowther’s low clearance was then dummied on half-way, allowing the ball to roll clear for Alexander to latch onto. The covering Flackwell defence forced the Thame winger to turn inside and seek out Brown at the back post, but the resulting shot was blocked by Avery for a corner.

Tutton’s ball to the 6-yard line saw Murray rise the highest and ahead of keeper Upstell, and the net bulged from his powerful header. Amazingly, after falling 0-3 behind, Thame now led 4-3 in the 45^th minute.

The referee blew for half-time shortly after to bring an end to a fantastic half, with 7 goals scored in a spell of less than 30 minutes. It remained to be seen if the second period would be anything near as dramatic !

Bouyed by their comeback, Thame started the second half on the front foot although Alexander’s 20-yard effort was an easy save for Upstell. Lack then ran 60 yards down the right-hand touchline before laying the ball off to Alexander, who got to the by-line, but his pull-back to Tutton saw a shot from 6 yards blocked. Tutton then charged at a retreating Flackwell back-line only to be brought down just outside the Flackwell 18-yard line. Walsh put the free-kick 10 yards over the bar.

The first, and only, yellow card of the game was shown in the 50^th minute when Murray fouled Matty Ayres 30 yards from the Thame goal. Grant blasted the free-kick into the defensive wall, and the ball rolled through for Crowther to pick-up.

With 52 minutes on the clock Jamie Ayres played a nice pass for Shakespeare to run on to, but Murray produced a good sliding block-tackle.

However, Thame were looking the side most likely to score the next goal and after Lack and Alexander exchanged passes, Lack burst into the Flackwell area, but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by keeper Upstell and flew high into the air. Tutton attempted to head home but was penalised for a foul on a Flackwell defender in his efforts to get to the ball.

Jamie Ayres then produced another good pass to play Avery into a good possession, but the Heathens full-back’s shot was straight at Crowther, who made a regulation save. Thame moved down the other end, and after Walsh cut inside on the left, his cross was headed by West at the Flackwell keeper.

Flackwell then enjoyed a brief spell of pressure. Matty Ayres’ corner was headed clear by Thame centre-back Luke Tingey, then after Stallard hit the deck midway inside the Thame half, the referee waved play on, only for Grant to be brought down just outside the Thame 18-yard line. Patrick’s left-footed free-kick went harmlessly over the bar.

Thame were soon back on the front foot and Tutton’s probing long ball for Walsh needed Upstell to come out of his area to put out for a throw-in. Walsh then showed great skill to get past McGuinness but his shot was blocked.

With 68 minutes played, Brown flashed a ball across the goalmouth but it was neither a shot nor cross and the ball went off for a goal-kick. Back down the other end, Shakespeare played a pass for Jamie Ayres to shoot, but the effort was blocked for a corner. Murray headed the corner away, and Thame cleared.

With 20 minutes remaining, Shakespeare tried his luck from 20 yards but Crowther made a routine low save.

Walsh then produced another super turn to get past McGuinness and put Lack in space on the right, but the Thame right-back was bundled over near the corner flag for a free-kick.

Brown produced a good run to get past Mapley and into the Flackwell area, but with both Walsh and Alexander running to the near post, Brown’s pass went towards the back post where no-one was waiting for the tap-in. Walsh teed up Brown, but his 20-yard effort went a few feet over the bar.

Flackwell substitute Bacon went on a good run but slipped when approaching the Thame area, and the home side were able to clear.

With 10 minutes remaining, Walsh passed to West to run into the Flackwell area, but his left-footed shot was deflected wide for a corner. Upstell’s punch at the corner was weak, and Tutton gathered the loose ball and ran along the byline, but his shot was blocked by the legs of the Flackwell keeper. When Thame reworked possession, Brown shot over from 25 yards.

With normal time just about up, Tingey made a good header to clear the danger after Bacon had done well to get to the Thame by-line, and a minute later the Thame centre-back made another important header to clear a free-kick.

With 5 added minutes to be played, Thame should have put the game to bed. First, Alexander ran onto a long ball but with just Upstell to beat, he finished poorly, putting the ball first time well wide when he had time to control and pick his spot, or pass to the unmarked Walsh. Brown then ran clear onto a long ball out of the Thame defence but with just the keeper to beat, shot against the legs of the keeper.

Flackwell won a free-kick in the third added minute and keeper Upstall came up for the kick, but Thame were able to clear. Brown ran into the Flackwell half, but with his team-mates urging him to head for the corner, he instead opted to blaze his shot out of the ground !

However, it didn’t matter as Thame successfully saw out the closing moments to take three important points which looked very unlikely after 29 minutes.

Thame might consider this to be a case of All’s Well That Ends Well, but Flackwell would view this as a tragedy.

Thame remained in 6^th place but were now level on points with Hertford but with a game in hand. Flackwell Heath dropped a place to 15^th.

Thame United : Crowther – Lack, Tingey, Murray, Hall – Tutton, West, Riddick, Brown – Alexander, Walsh ( Stow )

Flackwell Heath :  Upstell – Avery, Mapley, McGuiness, Patrick – J.Ayres ( Nsang ), Stallard ( Bacon ), M.Ayres ( Akintunde ), Roberts ( Light ) – Grant ( Wynn ), Shakespeare

 

 

Chinnor 21-39 Hartpury University ( att : 1,560 ) – 2025/26 English Champ

February 7, 2026

After the heartbreak of coming within two minutes of becoming the first side to beat Ealing Trailfinders this season, Chinnor bounced back last weekend to record another fantastic result in their incredible season, winning 19-14 at Coventry to achieve the double over the full-time side. They were now on a run of 9 wins out of their last 11 matches, and stood in 5^th place in the Champ Table.

However, the games weren’t getting any easier as today’s visitors, Hartpury University, were in 4^th place in the table.

Previous Meetings

Chinnor and Hartpury had met 8 times before and Chinnor had never beaten the students, with their best result being an away 17-17 draw last season. Earlier in the season Chinnor took a losing point from a 19-25 defeat.

These diaries reported on last season’s game at Kingsey Road where Hartpury established a 34-0 lead early in the second half and it looked like it could be an embarrassing scoreline, but Chinnor dug deep to score three tries is the closing 20 minutes to put a bit of respectability to a 19-34 result.

The report included a brief history of Hartpury, the previous encounters and some of the players to have played for both clubs.

https://fatbearssportingdiaries.blogspot.com/2024/10/chinnor-19-34-hartpury-university-att.html 

Hartpury This Season

Hartpury arrived at Kingsey Road today with a 10-1-4 record, and were unbeaten at home, with their only failure to win coming in a 33-33 draw with Doncaster Knights.

Hartpury had achieved the impressive feat of home and away victories over Worcester Warriors, whilst their other home wins had been against Chinnor, Coventry, Caldy, Cambridge and Bedford. The away defeats had been at Bedford, Ealing, Richmond and Nottingham.

Hartpury’s average home attendance so far this season was 990, with a capacity 2,000 seeing the 28-25 success over Worcester. Last season their average was 932.

Hartpury Squad

Fly-half Harry Bazalgette was the leading points scorer in the Champ with a mammoth 148 points, of which there was only one try, so Chinnor would need to be mindful of conceding penalties within kicking distance. Bazalgette had started his career at Exeter University before moving to Cornish Pirates. Last season he made one appearance on loan for Bristol Bears in the Premiership Cup.

Ex-Gloucester and Jersey Reds full-back Alex Morgan was the top try scorer with 9 tries whilst hooker Ethan Hunt had touched down 5 times.

Centre Oliver Allsopp joined in the summer from Birmingham Moseley and had also played for London Scottish and Luctonians, winger Keir Clark had previously played for Chippenham, but not in any of the matches reported on by Fatbear, and centre Robert Smith was not in The Cure !

Back-row forward Jarrad Hayler had played for Barnstaple, Taunton, Redruth and Cornish Pirates, lock Dale Lemon was previously with Cinderford, prop Alexander Gibson had played for Coventry and London Scottish, and lock Jack Davies was ex-Bath and Doncaster Knights.

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner, the journey from Hartpury to Thame is 66 miles and should normally take around 1 hour 40 minutes down the A40.

Adult tickets purchased online were £16 and £20 at the gate and an online programme had been prepared in advance of today’s game.

The usual food vendors were in attendance today and a pint of Brooklyn IPA was £5.36 with the members’ discount.

There had been a lot of rain over the past week, and although the morning had been mostly dry, the rain started to fall 20 minutes before the 14.30 kick-off time, and it would continue to rain on and off for most of the game. The temperature was 11 degrees, but the infamous Chinnor breeze was mostly absent.

A few patches of sand had been applied to the pitch, which looked heavy, and would cut up as the game progressed and the rain continued to fall. The floodlights were already on well before the start of the match.

Hartpury announced four changes to their starting XV that beat Bedford Blues with young Gloucester/Hartpury BUCS scrum-half Rhys Price replacing Oscar Lennon in the backs and Tom Worts, Cameron Corbett and Will Crane promoted from last’s week’s bench in the forwards. Hunt, Lemon and Hayler and Lennon were all missing from the match-day squad.

Chinnor also made four changes to their side that won last week at Coventry with Ramaz Rukhadze and Alun Walker returning to the front row, Nathan Chamberlain back at fly-half after injury and James Bourton in at centre. Prop Kai Owen and full-back Nick Smith dropped to the bench, whilst hooker Chris Moore and centre Tom Watson missed out altogether.

Hartpury were in a kit of all red whilst Chinnor were in their usual black and white hoops.

Match Report

Chinnor’s run of impressive results ended in a disappointing manner after being well beaten by an impressive Hartpury side, who maintained their jinx over Chinnor. After a close opening 50 minutes, Hartpury pulled away to a comfortable victory with a masterclass of tactical kicking from fly-half Harry Bazalgette and some impressive forward play, in particular at the line-out and rolling mauls. Chinnor had been very effective this season with their line-outs and rolling mauls but they met their match today, three times failing to secure 5 metre lineout possession and seemingly having little answer to Hartpury’s set pieces.

Chinnor kicked off towards the Showground end with a slight breeze behind them. Hartpury won a penalty at the first scrum of the game, which they kicked to half-way. Hartpury’s throw went too long and hooker Walker made the catch and kicked downfield. Hartpury took the ball inside their in-goal area and were forced to touch down to give a 5-metre scrum to the home side.

Scott Hall picked up from the base of the scrum and was stopped short of the line, as were a few more drives. Chinnor then dropped the ball, enabling Hartpury to hack away to halfway, where Chinnor wing Freddie Owsley ran back at the visitors until being illegally stopped. The penalty was kicked to 5 metres, which lock Jamie Campbell won. The rolling maul rumbled over the line and Walker was credited with the touchdown. Chamberlain’s excellent touchline conversion made the score 7-0 after 6 minutes.

A high Chinnor kick after the restart was knocked in to touch by a Hartpury hand to give Chinnor a lineout on their 10-metre line. Conor Brockschmidt won the lineout for Chinnor, who kicked to the Hartpury 22 for Bazalgette to kick back, but Owsley’s return was too strong and went dead to give Hartpury a scrum just inside the Chinnor half.

Hartpury were awarded a free-kick at the scrum which Bazalgette launched into the skies but Chamberlain made a good catch, and Chinnor replied with a high kick of their own, which Hartpury full-back Isaac Marsh dropped to give Chinnor a scrum on the Pury 10 metre line.

Hall again picked up at the base of the scrum and released Bourton to surge forward, but after the move was halted, Chinnor passed straight into touch.

Lock Peter Paramore won the lineout for Hartpury but after Bazalgette’s first kick was returned, the student’s fly-half kicked directly into to touch to give Chinnor a lineout midway inside the Hartpury half.

Brockschmidt again won Chinnor’s throw but scrum half Callum Pascoe was unable to hold onto the tap back, and Chinnor infringed at the ensuing ruck. Bazalgette nudged play to the Chinnor 22 where Paramore again won the visitors’ throw and Allsopp was able to make a strong run, but after he was tackled Chinnor had the put in at the scrum.

Although only 15 minutes had been played, Chinnor had already been forced into making two changes, with Pascoe and wing Grant Hughes having to leave the field with injuries.

Hartpury were able to win turnover ball and Bazalgette chipped towards the corner flag but Chamberlain was able to get to it first but then knocked on trying to keep hold of the ball. From the scrum inside the Chinnor 22, Bazalgette kicked towards the other corner but this time a Hartpury player was able to gather, and Clark crossed for Hartpury’s first score. Bazalgette’s conversion unexpectedly slid wide so the score was 7-5 with 19 minutes played.

The Chinnor restart went straight out of play to give Hartpury a scrum on the half-way line as the rain started to heavily fall. Price twice kicked high and Chinnor were pinged at a ruck from the second effort, and Hartpury were now 10 metres from the Chinnor line. Paramore secured lineout ball and the rolling maul moved irrepressibly forward and over the whitewash. Crane was credited with the score and Bazalgette added the extras. It was now 7-12 with 23 minutes on the clock.

Shortly after the restart, Marsh dropped a high kick from replacement scrum-half Luke Carter so Chinnor had a scrum on the Hartpury 22. A Chinnor penalty was kicked to 5 metres, but Hartpury stole the lineout and were able to clear, and won a lineout of their own on their 22-metre line.

Hartpury won their lineout and Chinnor were pinged again at the ruck and Bazalgette took his side up to their 10-metre line. Lineout ball was again secured but after Bazalgette went aerial again, Chinnor’s Nick Smith was taken out in the air whilst attempting to take the catch, leading to a yellow card for Marsh in the 33^rd minute.

Chinnor kicked their penalty to the Hartpury 10 metre line and another penalty took them to within 5 metres. Several Chinnor drives for the line were repelled but Hartpury were forced to touch down Chamberlain’s grubber kick to give Chinnor a 5-metre scrum, at which they were awarded a penalty.

Again, Hartpury were able to win Chinnor’s 5-metre lineout and clear. However, Chinnor were still pressing and after some more drives for the try-line Price deliberately knocked on to prevent a try and also saw yellow. In the 38^th minute Hartpury had been reduced to 13 players.

Chinnor finally won a 5-metre lineout via Campbell and the forwards rumble over to give Walker a second try of the day. Chamberlain was successful from the tee and Chinnor now led 14-12 with 38 minutes played.

Chinnor needlessly gave away a penalty at a ruck after the restart and Hartpury were back inside the Chinnor 22. However, it was Chinnor’s turn to win an opposition throw, but after some messy play, Bazalgette opted to kick the ball off the field to end the half, with his side trailing by 2 points.

Hartpury’s restart was kicked out of play by Carter to give the students a lineout on the Chinnor 22. Hartpury won their ball and drove to within 5 metres of the line and won a penalty advantage, but this wasn’t required as the forwards finally crashed over, with Worts receiving the credit. Bazalgette converted so the 13 men of Hartpury now led 19-14 after 42 minutes.

Chinnor were looking for a quick response and their pack pushed Hartpury off their scrum-ball and with a penalty advantage went wide, but Joe Brock dropped the ball close to the touchline. Play went back for the penalty so Chinnor had a 5-metre lineout, which they lost for the third time in the game, and Hartpury cleared to the half-way line where Owsley started to run back at the Hartpury defence. However a long pass from Carter was intercepted by Clark, and the winger ran 50 yards to score his side’s 4^th try of the game, and with the conversion from Bazalgette, Hartpury had moved into a commanding 26-14 lead with 48 minutes played.

This time Chinnor were able to make an almost instant response. A penalty was won at the restart and kicked to 5 metres and after several drives close to the line, Hall barged over and Chamberlain added a super conversion. 21-26 after 52 minutes and game on.

Chinnor were on the front foot and won a turnover after a high kick from Carter, but the defence from Hartpury was good and they were given the put-in at the scrum. Bazalgette then produced a fabulous 50:22 kick, bouncing into touch 5 metres from the Chinnor line, and with a sense of inevitability the lineout was won and rolling maul was unstoppable, with Corbett touching down. Predictably Bazalgette converted and it was now 21-33 in the 58^th minute.

Owsley made a good catch at the restart but when Chinnor moved the ball wide Brock knocked on. Bazalgette kicked long from the scrum, and Brock’s day was summed up with a poor clearing kick, giving Hartpury a lineout on the Chinnor 22.

Paramore again won the Hartpury lineout but Chinnor had a reprieve with Smith dropped the ball in midfield and Chinnor were able to fly-hack to half-way where the covering Hartpury defender knocked on. However, Chinnor over-elaborated in midfield from the scrum and dropped the ball, and the loose ball with kicked deep into the Chinnor 22. Some scrambled defence prevented another Hartpury score but a knock on gave the students a scrum on the Chinnor 22.

Hartpury won a penalty at the scrum and won the subsequent lineout. The rolling maul won a penalty in front of the posts, which Hartpury opted to kick to leave Chinnor needing three scores. Bazalgette’s kick took the score to 21-36 with 66 minutes played.

Another period of Chinnor pressure ended with a knock-on, this time prop Kai Owen being the culprit. Another deep kick from Bazalgette forced Hanks to retreat and his clearing kick was partially charged down. The loose ball was hacked forward and off for a lineout close to the Chinnor line.

Chinnor won their lineout but were having difficulty getting out of their 22 and when they did, Bazalgette kicked long again leading to Chinnor having to touch down in goal and having to drop out from behind their line.

Replacement Hartpury scrum-half Sam Allford kicked high into the Chinnor 22 and although Bourton made a good catch he was immediately smothered by marauding Hartpury attackers. Another penalty was awarded to the visitors at a ruck after a lineout tap, and again Bazalgette stepped up to add another three points to his side’s total, taking the score to 21-39 after 79 minutes.

It nearly got worse for the home side as both Hartpury centres broke from their own 22 and deep into the Chinnor half, from which Bazalgette’s deft chip for the corner was just beyond the reach of Oliver Holliday.

Campbell won the lineout for Chinnor, who won a penalty, from which they moved the ball through the hands to win another penalty on the half-way line. Needing a try for a bonus point, the kick was aimed for the corner, but failed to find touch and stayed in play, and Hartpury kicked off the field to end the match.

Despite their impressive win, Hartpury remained in 4^th place in the table, whilst Chinnor dropped one place to 6^th. 

Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3a_p5UbyAg