CHINNOR conceded in the last play as they lost 26-19 to Carmarthen Quins in their first pre-season friendly.

Morgan Griffiths’ late try was converted by Luke Davies to give the hosts victory, but Richard Thorpe’s men will not be disheartened after a promising performance.

Chinnor continue their pre-season programme with a home game against National 2 South side Blackheath on Saturday as they build up to the start of the National League 1 campaign on September 3.

The visitors looked bright in temperatures exceeding 30C and fly-half Tom Price finished a brilliant team try after 11 minutes to put them in front. Nick Smith, Jason Worrall, Conor Brockschmidt, Sam Yawayawa and Dean Hammond were all involved in a flowing move.

The lead changed hands as Steff Marshall converted Rhodri Davies’ try, only for Chinnor to hit back when Yawayawa went over off the back of a lineout and Price added the extras.

Ben Leung touched down after the break to make it 12-12 but the Kingsey Road outfit soon edged in front again, Greg Goodfellow driving over and Will Kelly converting.

Carmarthen finished stronger, though, and they levelled again at 19-19 before Griffiths completed the turnaround at the final whistle.

Saturday’s game against Blackheath follows the Lauren Cyster Megabowl Trophy match at 1pm, in memory of the club’s former head physio. The fixture will raise funds for the Oncology Ward at the Churchill Hospital.