National 3 South West

CHINNOR hope to challenge the result of Saturday’s abandoned match at promotion rivals Redingensians, writes ED MEZZETTI.

The visitors were leading 17-5 on 58 minutes when South African wing Ken Prinsloo suffered a broken left leg and dislocated ankle after being tackled by two Redingensians players.

Chinnor hope that the match will be counted as an away victory rather than being replayed at a later date.

As it stands, they drop to second in the table, five points behind Bournemouth, who have retaken top spot.

Play was held up for more than 40 minutes while an ambulance arrived and Prinsloo was stretchered off.

He was released from hospital the next day as his ankle was too swollen to operate on, but he must return on Friday.

During the delay, Chinnor offered to continue on the adjoining pitch, but the home officials did not agree and the referee eventually abandoned the match in the gloom.

Chinor secretary Carol Bradbrook-Taylor said: “We are taking advice on the rules and regulations from the South West competitions management.

“We want the result to stand. People have been saying there is a 60-minute rule before abandonments can stand as results, but that seems to be in the case of bad weather.

“We have got to cut through all the emotion and look at the facts. If we have to replay it, we will”

Chinnor believe their case is strengthened by a similar incident in Redingensians’ previous home game against Old Redcliffians on December 10.

When Redcliffians’ fly half Mike Schropfer suffered a serious leg injury, the match was moved to the adjoining pitch and ended with Redingensians winning 53-5.

Bradbrook-Taylor stressed she was keen to avoid any friction between the two clubs.

She added: “Redingensians’ medical attention was second to none. Their club doctor is an orthopaedic surgeon.

“He was able to able to put Ken’s dislocated ankle back in position and administer morphine.”

On the field, Redingensians had flanker Michael Clarke sin-binned after four minutes.

Chinnor took the lead with a penalty from fly half James Cathcart on 11 minutes, while No 8 Liam Gilbert scored a try after some pick and drives.

Cathcart converted for 10-0, but Redingensians replied with a 28th-minute try from wing Dom Gosling.

Chinnor full back Henry Colver off-loaded for flanker Nick Harrison to touch down and Cathcart converted.

Redingensians exerted plenty of pressure, but the score remained 17-5 when Prinsloo suffered his sickening injury.