Our Men’s First XV’s fixture followed an entertaining Lauren Cyster Megabowl Trophy match which raised an outstanding £2,700 for the Oncology Ward at the Churchill Hospital.

With a 400-strong crowd in attendance, it had already been a great day to remember our beloved head physio Lauren, and the First XV friendly added to the afternoon.

Played in a rather more comfortable 25 degrees compared to the sweltering heat of Carmarthen a week previously, the players also had the Chinnor wind to contend with.

Although we found ourselves trailing 14-12 after 67 minutes, we had shown further progress from seven days earlier and completed the job, thanks to late scores from Dean Hammond, Kieran Goss and Willie Ryan.

National 2 East side Blackheath had put in a good account of themselves for more than an hour, however we ultimately just had too much firepower as we continue our preparations for the National 1 opener at Darlington Mowden Park on September 3.

Chinnor dominated territorially for the opening 20 minutes, but only led 7-0 following Reece Marshall’s sixth-minute try, which was converted by fly-half Tom Price. We had looked strong in the set piece and it was a driving lineout which did the damage, with the former Northampton Saints hooker crashing over as our pack patiently found their way forward from 15m out.

Despite our dominance, Chinnor were unable to add to their tally, with winger Goss coming the closest as he was tackled into touch following a break down the right.

Blackheath grew into the game and deservedly levelled on 30 minutes when Jake Lloyd crossed out wide and Tom Ffitch added the extras.

We started the second half well and retook the lead when a fine offload from centre Sam Yawayawa found Jason Worrall and he dived over for an unconverted try as the wind played havoc with our conversion attempts.

The game became a little disjointed and the visitors again responded to go 14-12 in front after 65 minutes through Harry Holland’s fine score in the corner, Ffitch adding the extras.

However, we went on to find another gear and took the game away from Blackheath. Our response was superb as we stole possession on half-way, and we moved the ball quickly across the field. Worrall fed left-wing Hammond who still had work to do from 30m and he produced a stunning finish in the corner to make it 17-14.

We were now on top and deservedly scored our fourth try of the afternoon. The forwards provided the platform with another strong scrum, before the ball was whipped wide and Worrall set up another score, this time for Goss to stroll in and dot down. Fly-half Will Kelly was then unlucky not to convert the try with his attempt hitting the right upright.

Leading 22-14 with six minutes to go, there was still time for one more and it was scored by our captain on the day and No 8 Ryan. Yawayawa carried strongly through the centre of the field and the ball was popped inside for Willie to crash over under the sticks. Kelly stepped up to add the extras and bring an end to the proceedings.

Next up for our Men’s First XV is the final pre-season friendly at home to Worthing Raiders on Saturday and we look forward to seeing you then.

Chinnor: Smith, Goss, Worrall, Yawayawa, Hodson, Price, Carter, Lines, Marshall, McNulty, Down, Turrisi, Brockschmidt, Heathman, Ryan.

Reps: Curry, Darlington, Hammond, Harewood, Goodfellow, Kelly, North, Pieterse, Taylor.