Chinnor were unable to pull off a heroic comeback as they were edged out 21-17 by Rams

CHINNOR were unable to pull off a heroic comeback as they were edged out 21-17 by Rams in a pulsating contest at Kingsey Road.

Hosting their first Friday night National League fixture, the Oxfordshire side came close to securing a late victory over their Berkshire rivals, who had led 21-3 after 44 minutes in front of a 1,020-strong crowd.

The result now leaves Chinnor 12 points adrift of National League 1 leaders Richmond after 18 games.

Laurence May’s penalty put the home side 3-0 in front after seven minutes, but Rams began to enjoy territory.

The visitors scored the first try of the game on 21 minutes when Ben Henderson was driven over, William Partington converting.

Rams then extended their lead to 14-3 just before half-time when Tom Vooght touched down, Partington adding the extras.

The visitors stretched their advantage to 18 points at the start of the second period through Vooght, Partington converting, but the hosts went on to dominate the rest of the game.

Captain Jason Worrall broke through a gap and outpaced the backline to dive over, May converting, to make it 21-10.

And they closed to within four points after 54 minutes when James Tyas drove over from close range, May adding the extras.

Chinnor continued to push for another score but, despite having a lineout five metres out in the last play, they were unable to seal victory.