CHINNOR continued to lay the foundations for next season as they battled hard in a 45-7 defeat at Rams.

Playing in front of spectators for the first time in 14 months, it proved a physical adapted laws contest at Old Bath Road.

Rams deservedly opened the scoring through an unconverted try, but Chinnor went on to enjoy a purple patch.

Ollie Smith thought he had dotted down after brilliantly catching the ball just inches off the ground, but Kieran Goss’s pass was adjudged to have gone forward.

The visitors continued to build pressure, though, and it paid off on 16 minutes when George Grose dived over, Nick Smith adding the extras to make it 7-5.

However, Rams responded well and two converted tries helped them into a 19-7 lead at the break.

Chinnor were still in the contest, but they now faced a refreshed opposition with Rams putting out a different XV for the second 35 minutes.

The hosts extended their lead to 19 points straight from the kick-off and, with Jack Walsh sent to the sin-bin, they made the extra man count to make it 33-7 after 49 minutes.

Chinnor never gave in, but Rams went on to score two late tries to further extend their advantage before the final whistle.