Chinnor were left rueing missed opportunities as they went down 31-26 at home to Barnstaple in South West Division 1.

Leading 26-24 in the second half, Chinnor were encamped in the Barnstaple 22 for a long period but squandered two great scoring chances.

Barnstaple broke out of the shackles, took a quick tapped penalty and raced some 60 metres to touch down under the posts for the decisive score, as Chinnor were unable to respond.

The game began with a flurry of penalty goals. Barnstaple's Clark was successful with his three attempts, with Kruger firing over two goals for the home side.

Chinnor scored their first try when scrum half John Vaughan forced his way over, Kruger converting into the wind.

The hosts then gave away two soft tries, from Southwick and Redrup. Clark converted the first and added a penalty to give Barnstaple a lead of 24-13.

Chinnor, who lost livewire hooker Tim Jackson with a dislocated shoulder, replied before half-time with a try by winger Charlie Oyebade, who squirmed his way over, Kruger adding the extra points.

At half-time and just four points adrift with the wind in their favour, things were looking positive for the home side, and two penalties by Kruger put them in front.

But the Devon side's resilience won the day.