CHINNOR fell to a last-gasp defeat in their first rugby union match in 18 months – but delivered a promising performance against Carmarthen Quins.

Two tries in the final nine minutes saw the Welsh Premier Division side fight back from 15-5 down to win 17-15 in the pre-season friendly at Kingsey Road.

Supporters returned with no restrictions in place for the first time since March 2020, and it proved to be an entertaining occasion.

The first half was tight, with the sides locked at 5-5 – winger Oscar Heath crossing out wide for Chinnor’s fourth-minute try.

The hosts fielded a different side in the second half and dominated the opening quarter to lead 15-5, thanks to unconverted scores from fly-half Nick Smith and winger Dean Hammond.

However, momentum swung in Carmarthen’s favour and they found a way back into the game.

An unconverted try reduced the deficit to five points, before a converted try from the touchline in virtually the last play secured victory.

In other pre-season games, Wallingford beat Grove 33-28 and Bicester lost 28-17 at Stratford Upon Avon.