BASIL Strang’s late penalty earned 14-man Chinnor a 17-15 win at Barnstaple.

Inconsistent form had seen the Kingsey Road-based side slip to third in National League 2 South.

But they are now only four points behind new leaders Bishop’s Stortford, who beat previous table-toppers Old Elthamians 16-14.

Nathan Hannay crashed over for Chinnor’s 100th try of the season in the second minute. Strang added the extras.

But the home side went in front, when Will Topps crossed and Isaac Hydleman converted, before kicking a penalty.

Chinnor were quick to reply, with Strang converting his own try to make it 14-10.

Barnstaple finished the half on top, though, with Matt Gohl surging over.

Chinnor dominated the second period, despite having Richard Thorpe sent off for stamping, and were denied by three try-saving tackles.

And with two minutes to go, Strang kicked a penalty to earn a first away win since October.

Henley Hawks lost 20-16 at basement boys Exmouth.

But they were the victims of a controversial decision by referee David Clarkson to award a late try.

David Cadywould had elected to kick for goal after the hosts won a penalty, but he changed his mind and put the ball into the corner.

This resulted in a line-out, with Mark Wathes diving over.

Henley appealed, claiming a side cannot change their decision once indicating they are kicking for goal.

The matter has been referred to the RFU South West referees advisory body.

Hawks led 8-0 at half-time, thanks to George Jackson’s unconverted try and penalty.

David Bargent crashed over and George Meadows added the extras for Exmouth.

Hawks hit back, though, with a David Hankinson try and Jackson penalty making it 16-7.

Meadows kicked a penalty to make it 16-10, before both sides had two players sin-binned.

Exmouth snatched victory, when Wathes crossed in controversial fashion, with Cadywould converting, before slotting a penalty.