PENALTIES proved costly for Chinnor who fell short as derby rivals Rams recorded a bonus point victory.

The hosts triumphed 38-22 in a pulsating National League 1 encounter, which attracted a 1,000-plus crowd, while 4,000 tuned in via a livestream.

Having battled back from 24-8 down to close to within two points after 60 minutes, the next score was always going to be crucial, and it was Rams who went on to secure victory.

The hosts took the lead on eight minutes when hooker Ben Henderson dived over – Drew Humberstone adding the extras.

James Bourton then missed a penalty for Chinnor, before Rams made it 12-0 when Robbie Stapley crashed over at the back of a driving maul.

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The visitors responded well and got off the mark courtesy of Kieran Goss’ try, but the home side went on to dominate the half, with the penalty count rising against the Thame side.

With Ben Glynn sent to the sin bin, Stapley again drove over to further extend Rams’ lead, before Chinnor replied through Bourton’s penalty as they trailed 17-8 at the break.

It looked like it was going to be a tough night for the visitors when Jak Rossiter crossed for the hosts’ fourth try, but suddenly there was a momentum swing.

Keston Lines burrowed over to reduce the deficit to nine points, before Bourton converted his own score as Chinnor now only trailed 24-22 with an hour played.

The visitors had their chances to take the lead, but the crucial next score went the way of Rams as Stapley crashed over for his hat-trick – Humberstone converting – to make it 31-22.

The home side then added another try in the last play when Henry Bird crossed out wide and former Chinnor youngster Sam Nicholls slotted the extras on his debut.

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In Southern Counties North, Gosford All Blacks secured a huge win at home to Thatcham,as the Kidlington side fought back from eight points down to win 48-8.

The visitors earned a penalty almost immediately, to take an early 3-0 lead and made it 8-0 after a break down the right wing.

Gosford hit back when Sam Malton touched down in the corner and took the lead when a loose ball was pounced on by Joe Mac, who got to the line.

James Groves then went over in the corner to ensure Gosford went in 15-8 at the break.

Jake Townsend charged down a Thatcham clearance to score the bonus point, with Tom Costley converting.

Gosford continued to impress with Dan Hughes at the back of a driving maul, and Costley again converting.

Tom Heydon finished good work, before both Groves and Townsend grabbed their second.

Meanwhile, Bicester won 15-7 at home to Aylesbury after going down 7-0 after just five minutes.