NATIONAL 2 SOUTH

CHINNOR lost 28-22 at home to Clifton, despite outscoring the visitors four tries to three.

But the hosts had the consolation of bagging two bonus points, which kept them just above the relegation zone.

Having appointed former Harlequins hooker Matt Williams as their new director of rugby, Chinnor gave debuts to prop Ricardo Cano, lock Michal Kruzycki and No 8 Ledua Jope.

Kruzycki was replaced by a fourth newcomer, Aaron James-Nicholls, in the second half.

Clifton led 6-0 after two penalties from fly half Chris Fortey.

However, Chinnor app-eared to have turned the game on its head with tries from Joe Pickett and fellow prop Cano.

Clifton rallied to enter the break with a 18-10 advantage.

Wing Jordan Kelly and Fortey went over, with the latter converting his own try.

Clifton had flanker and former Oxfordshire player Henry Mace yellow-carded on 43 minutes, just after Fortey’s third penalty.

Chinnor centre Leo Fielding kept them in the match with a third try to make it 21-15.

Clifton led 28-15 on the hour mark after Foley converted a try from prop Ellis Genge.

Fly half Will Millett went over for the hosts’ fourth try on 68 minutes, which he converted himself.

But Chinnor could not quite complete their comeback as Clifton held on.