CHINNOR raised £2,700 for the Oncology Ward at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital as they celebrated the life of their former head physio.

Lauren Cyster died in 2018 at the age of 26 following a short battle with cancer, with the Lauren Cyster Megabowl Trophy created in her memory.

More than 400 people watched on at Kingsey Road to watch a Lauren’s XV play Blackheath 2nd in the third edition of the fixture, which raised a significant amount of money for Oxford University Hospitals.

Lauren’s mum, Brenda, said: “I just want to express my continued thanks to the club for what they do for the Oncology Ward.

“And like Blackheath, I think Chinnor would have done the same for another club as the rugby community always stand together.

“It’s overwhelming and I just want to thank everyone. People’s generosity never fails to amaze me.

“I just look at that pitch and I can still see her out there with her headset on, no matter the weather.”

The match went down to the wire, with Blackheath edging the 40-minute contest 19-18, despite a hat-trick of tries from hooker Charley Robinson.

Chinnor’s First XV followed the charity fixture, beating their Blackheath counterparts 29-14 as they continued their preparations for the National 1 season.

Three tries in the final 12 minutes from Dean Hammond, Kieran Goss and Willie Ryan ensured victory in the pre-season friendly.

Chinnor twice led through scores from Reece Marshall and Jason Worrall, only for the visitors to hit back and lead 14-12 after 65 minutes.

However, the hosts finished strongly to deservedly claim victory ahead of their final pre-season match at home to Worthing Raiders this Saturday.

The National League 1 campaign begins the following weekend, with Chinnor on the road at Darlington Mowden Park.

Meanwhile, Oxford Quins gave a good account of themselves in a 19-17 defeat at Championship side Jersey.

The Regional 1 South Central club were up against a team who play three divisions above them.

They face Oxfordshire rivals Henley Hawks this weekend, with the Dry Leas outfit continuing their preparations after losing 48-28 at Cardiff.