CHINNOR suffered a third straight loss in National League 1, leaving them seventh in the table.

Second-placed Caldy made it eight successive victories with the 23-12 win in Thame.

Chinnor’s latest defeat leaves them 20 points behind Caldy, with the top two expected to secure promotion to the Championship.

The home side chose to play with the wind to their backs in the first half, but they were unable to make the most of the conditions.

Read also: Kidlington Football Club not making statement until police investigation complete

Caldy withstood the pressure and took their chances, with two entries into the opposition 22 yielding points through a Ben Jones penalty and Joe Murray try as they led 10-0 at the break.

Chinnor responded well to lead 12-10 within ten minutes of the second half as fly-half Max Titchener crossed on his First XV debut before in-form winger Kieran Goss made it four tries in as many games in 2022.

But with the wind in their favour, Caldy went on to dominate territory and possession.

Two penalties from Jones put them into a 16-12 lead after 71 minutes, before the winger converted Mike Cartmill’s try in front of the posts to seal victory.

Henley Hawks secured a double over high-flying Esher in National 2 South, dealing well with the conditions to score after just four minutes.

A strong run by James Davies saw him split the Esher defence and score close to the posts, while Monty Bradbury was successful with the conversion.

Read more: Nightmare finish costs Eddie Pepperell in the UAE

A series of punishing drives from the forwards and quick hands saw the ball move wide to Alex Harmes, who cleverly held the opposition tight and then stepped outside his opposite number to stretch and score in the corner.

Bradbury once again kicked from the touchline and Henley were 14-0 ahead inside 10 minutes.

Rueben Norville was next on the scoresheet, when Henley drove deep into the Esher 22, playing a penalty advantage, and a neat chip over the opposition by Bradbury saw Norville gather and weave his way under the posts.

With the conversion successful once more, Henley lead by 21 points with barely 15 minutes played.

They secured the try bonus point on the half hour mark, with the game effectively over after the break when Davies ran 50 metres for his second try.

In South West 1 East, Oxford Harlequins won 10-3 at Sherborne, Banbury won 67-3 at home to Grove and Witney won 52-21 at home to Buckingham. In Southern Counties North, Gosford All Blacks lost 42-5 at Shipston on Stour, Bicester lost 52-3 at home to Stow-on-the-Wold, and Wallingford lost 38-21 at High Wycombe.