Chinnor dismayed at late call-off

From the archive, first published Saturday 27th Sep 2003.

Chinnor were less than amused when Grove cried off from Saturday's Powergen Intermediate Cup first round tie at Kingsey Road less than 48 hours before the game.

A Chinnor spokesman said: "The news that Grove were unable to fulfil the fixture came late on Thursday evening.

"As well as putting the media in a turmoil, with both TV and radio due to cover the game, it left Chinnor with precious little time to get another fixture."

This is the second time in the last three years that Grove, who cited a shortage of front row replacements as their reason for scratching, have failed to honour an Intermediate Cup tie against Chinnor.

"I understand Chinnor's feelings absolutely," said Grove coach John Gunter. "We did everything in our power to get the required players, and only gave up on Thursday night.

"We've really struggled for front row since hooker Duncan Barbour moved away to Leeds. His departure has left a huge hole and we're really struggling without him.

Chinnor managed, late in the day, to pick up Maidenhead on the fixture exchange and recorded a handsome victory.

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