CHINNOR were made to settle for two bonus points as they were edged out 31-26 in a thrilling contest at home to Darlington Mowden Park.
The Thame-based side had trailed by 17 points with 20 minutes to go, but their late heroics were unable to herald a first win since January 12.
As a result, Chinnor have slipped to eighth in the National League 1 table.
Josh Hodson’s interception try, Bertie Hopkin converting, put the hosts in front.
But Darlington replied through Chris McTurk’s unconverted score.
- Highlights from Chinnor's defeat at home to Darlington Mowden Park Video: Proview Sports
Chinnor extended their lead to nine points when Ben Manning powered over, Hopkin adding the extras.
However, the visitors headed into the break 19-14 in front, thanks to tries from Matt Dudman and Warren Seals, who converted both.
It was soon 31-14 as Jake Brady and Ollie Walker crossed, Seals converting the latter.
But Chinnor dug deep to mount a comeback.
Tries from Craig Holland and Hodson, Hopkin converting the latter, reduced the arrears to five points with three minutes to go.
Chinnor were in the ascendency and pushed for another score, but a catch and drive was held up in injury time.
Play-off chasing Henley Hawks beat Redruth 21-17 at home in National League 2 South.
Dean Bonds’s try put the visitors 5-0 up early on.
- Alex Bradley crosses during Henley's win over Redruth Picture: Steve Karpa
But they lost Sam Stevens to the sin-bin and tries from Tom Hall and Alex Bradley, Ben Bolster converting, put the hosts 14-5 in front.
Todd Prisk hit back for Redruth, but Hawks led 21-10 at the break when Xavier Andre went over, Bolster adding the extras.
Henley’s Liam O’Neill was yellow-carded mid-way through the second half and the visitors took advantage of the extra man when Richard Brown went over, Aaron Simmons converting.
Henley’s lead was now only four points and they ended the game on top but they were unable to earn a four-try bonus point.
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