CHINNOR produced an outstanding second half performance to clinch a crucial 24-22 comeback victory over fellow strugglers Esher.

It was a must-win fixture for both teams in their bid to move clear of the bottom three and the visitors overturned a 22-5 deficit at the break to secure an important bonus point triumph.

The win has lifted Chinnor up to ninth in National League 1 and seven points above the relegation zone ahead of this week’s home fixture with second from bottom Leeds Tykes.

Esher produced a high-energy first half performance, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Jack Rouse drove over.

Chinnor replied almost immediately through Reece Marshall’s unconverted try, but the hosts took control.

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A Sam Morley penalty put the home side 10-5 in front, before tries from Joe Parkes and Myles Rawstron-Rudd saw them lead by 17 points at half-time.

Grant Hughes crossed early in the second half for Chinnor, before Esher found themselves under more pressure when Lorcan Dow was yellow carded for a no arms tackle.

Chinnor capitalised as Mark Darlington touched down – Tom Price converting – with there only five points in the contest with 20 minutes to play.

The momentum was with the visitors and they again proved too strong in the set piece. Darlington was set for his second score before the driving maul was collapsed and a penalty try awarded. Chinnor then showed bullish defensive work to see out the game.