CHINNOR suffered their first home loss of 2023 as an impressive Taunton Titans proved too strong in a 50-28 victory at Kingsey Road.

The Somerset side crossed seven times on a blustery day in Oxfordshire to earn their first away win since October.

Chinnor on the other hand conceded 50 points for a second successive week, although they did secure a four-try bonus point.

The defeat leaves Nick Easter’s side just five points above the relegation zone in National League 1.

The home side started the better, but only had a Tom Price penalty to show for their efforts, while they lost the influential Willie Ryan to injury early on.

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Although another Price penalty cancelled out Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s opening try for Taunton, the visitors were on top and clinically secured the four-try bonus point with 36 minutes on the clock.

Alex Spurdle and Alex Rodd scored from driving lineouts, before Feyi-Waboso darted through a gap for his second as Titans were in control.

Chinnor hit back before the interval through Charley Robinson’s score, but any hopes of a comeback were wiped out early after the break as powerful No 8 Sam Prior charged over from 20m before driving over from close range as Titans led 40-11 after 59 minutes.

The hosts replied through Josh Hodson’s try, but they always looked susceptible to a Taunton break and with a man in the sin-bin they conceded again when Jordan Petherbridge finished off a counter-attack after George Worboys – who kicked 15 points – had slotted a penalty moments earlier.

Chinnor refused to give in with Jason Worrall and Hodson crossing late on to secure the four-try bonus point, but the result had long been confirmed.

In National League 2 East, Henley Hawks won 73-13 at home to Westcliff, as they moved up to fifth in the table.

Oxford Quins remain fifth in Regional 1 South Central after a 41-24 win at home to Banbury.

A 17-26 defeat at home to Tottonians saw Witney drop to fifth in Regional 2 Tribute South Central.

Grove stay second from bottom after a 20-78 loss when they welcomed Shipston on Stour.

Chinnor’s 3rd XV lost their 100 per cent start to the season in Counties 1 Tribute Southern North after a 17-17 draw at home to second-placed Marlow, but remain five points ahead at the top.

Bicester remain third after a 74-21 win at home to Swindon College Old Boys.

Wallingford won 48-0 at home to Thatcham, while Gosford All Blacks suffered a narrow 18-19 defeat at home to High Wycombe.