CHINNOR suffered their first defeat of the season as Richmond earned a 26-14 win in a gripping National League One encounter on Saturday.

Individual errors proved to be the downfall for Chinnor in a match they led 7-6 and 14-13.

Two Ross Kirby penalties put Richmond 6-0 up after 22 minutes.

Chinnor responded brilliantly to go 7-6 in front four minutes later when Josh McNulty touched down with Laurence May converting.

The visitors should have crossed again on the stroke of half-time but Will Flinn dropped the ball with the try-line at his mercy.

Richmond started the second half well and only a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Carl Kirwan denied Ronnie McLean.

The pressure eventually took its toll however and Jesse Liston forced his way over, Kirby converting, to make it 13-7 to the hosts.

Chinnor reacted well again and Will Harries crossed. May landed a difficult conversion from the touchline to put the visitors 14-13 in front.

Kirby then kicked his third penalty before the full-back converted a Toby Saysell try to make it 23-14 with eight minutes to go.

Chinnor’s Kieran Goss was sinbinned late on for a dump tackle and Kirby slotted the resultant penalty to complete the scoring.

Chinnor Director of Rugby, Matt Williams, said: “Overall, I was actually pleased with our shape. Our lineout dominated and our drive was very strong.

"We were on the wrong end of a few decisions in the scrum that levelled out field position because they've got a very good kicker who cleared territory off a handful of penalties.

“A couple of silly mistakes in the second half allowed them in and then we were chasing the game.

“It was very frustrating. All credit to Richmond, they defended really well, but it was a game we potentially could and should have done better in.”

The defeat leaves Chinnor in 13th position in the league table ahead of a visit from bottom side and pointless Hull Ionians this Saturday (3pm).