Chinnor 25, Lydney 27

Chinnor have made a habit of doing things the hard way this season – and that is now the only way they will stay up.

They came agonisingly close to a dramatic comeback in this exciting National 3 South clash.

But a narrow defeat to their relegation rivals Lydney leaves them back in the mire with just three games to go.

Chinnor’s final two matches are at home to top four sides, Richmond and London Scottish, so it will probably be win or bust at Rugby Lions this Saturday.

The hosts looked out of it when Lydney deservedly led 27-6, but tries in the final quarter from Richard Williams, Toby Prescott and Tom Shiel gave them real hope.

The visitors’ defence was suddenly creaking and with six minutes to go after Shiel scored, an unlikely victory was on.

To their credit, Lydney protected the ball with passion and skill in the closing minutes to hold on for a bonus-point victory that boosted their own survival hopes.

Chinnor could not have had a worse start when Lydney fly half Mark Davies’ kick deflected off a home hand and gave lock James Bashford an easy finish.

Davies added the conversion, but Chinnor’s No 10 James Cathcart slotted a 15th-minute penalty as his side looked to have gained a foothold.

The home fans’ relief was shortlived as Lydney centre Craig Jones showed great pace to outstrip the defence and score on the left.

Chinnor managed another penalty from Cathcart, but spent most of the half defending.

The hosts’ set pieces were generally solid with Harry Jackman starring in the lineout and having a forceful game in the loose, but Lydney played with more passion.

Lydney’s third try was a peach as Davies’ perfectly-weighted cross kick allowed wing Charlie Vine to gather at pace and motor in.

Cathcart missed a long-range penalty with the last kick of the half, but they really had to up their game after the break.

On 46 minutes, however, a superb counter attack ended with Lydney full back Tony Wicks sauntering over for their fourth try, with Davies converting and adding a penalty.

Chinnor coach Jason Bowers shuffled his pack with Ben Hewitt moving from full back to replace Cathcart and Shiel coming on at left wing.

This seemed to give them some much-needed rhythm, with Richard Williams, now at full back, scoring on 61 minutes after some slick handling.

Lydney scrum half Jimmy Williams was yellow-carded as Chinnor attacked with gusto.

Chinnor went for a scrum from the penalty, and notched again through Williams’ opposite number Toby Prescott after a neat move, with Hewitt converting.

The game had suddenly swung, and Davies did very well to clear following a loose pass inside the Lydney goal area.

Referee Rowan Kitt played a good advantage on 74 minutes, which allowed Shiel to kick ahead and score, with Hewitt again converting.

With the clock ticking down, Chinnor won a turnover in their own 22, but they were never allowed a chance to win the game.

Chinnor: Hewitt, Serrano, Powell, Oxley, R Williams, Cathcart (Shiel 55), Prescott, Stock (Winpenny 61), Ellis (Whelan 80), Baker, Hutchings (capt), Jackman, Hastings, M Williams (Millburn 55), Jackson.

Referee: R Kitt (London).

Chinnor man-of-the-match: Jackman.