What do an away trip to Chinnor and the 1974 Christmas number one have in common? Mud.
They were right as well. It was cold, so cold, as Littlemore made the long forsaken journey to face a Chinnor side who hadn’t received any visitors all season. Not wanting to disappoint, Littlemore took a full team and a brimming subs bench over the county line. Such encouraging numbers in the latter part of the season.
“Perfect rugby conditions”, they said, as the teams “warmed up” on the well-used pitch, the last remnants of grass trampled underfoot, drizzling in the air. Chinnor, well-known and formidable opponents, kicked off to begin a half full of attrition. Conditions were hard, the ball slippery and the feet heavy. Chinnor started strongly, but Littlemore refused to go the way of the trampled grass and showed resolute defence – winning turnovers and crashing into tackles, the best showing of the season. Yet, Chinnor managed to batter down the door twice to leave the score 10-0 at halftime, with Littlemore still in it.
The game was tight. It was always going to be, given the conditions. The Littlemore spirit remained strong. The team, together. A short period in the second half proved decisive. Small mistakes, costly. Chinnor pulled away with three tries in short succession. Littlemore, somehow, still to score. Injuries mounting, slips and spills taking their toll, shoulders repositioned, knees ruptured.
Yet, the grey of the skies did not dim the Littlemore spirit, glowing brightly – the brightest for some time. The final act of the game, a free-flowing try converted by Massingham on the wing, was applauded by all on the touchline. A touch of glam to the finish, befitting of Mud.
Final score: Chinnor 25-5 Littlemore
Man of the Match: Trevor Wilson
