CHINNOR’S promotion hopes are hanging in the balance despite a pulsating 27-25 win over Bishop’s Stortford.

Although they beat the leaders at home, the lack of a bonus-point saw the Thame-based club slip to third on matches won in National League 2 South.

They may now need 15 points from three games to stand a chance of finishing in the one play-off spot.

A Will Banks penalty put Stortford in front on five minutes, but Chinnor responded when Luke Hibberd caught the ball off the restart and raced over.

Jonny Bentley converted, before Banks kicked a second penalty for Stortford.

The visitors buckled under sustained pressure on 27 minutes when Ben Manning went over. Bentley converted to make it 14-6.

But Stortford hit back as Jimmy Rea collected a hanging kick to score. Banks added the extras.

In the second half, the visitors took an 18-14 lead when Declan Caulfield was driven over.

Chinnor hit back, though, as Bentley converted his own try six minutes later.

There was no let-up from Stortford as Nic Clancy scythed through. Banks converted to make it 25-21.

Two Bentley penalties nudged Chinnor into a two-point lead with ten minutes to go, but Stortford had chances of their own.

Banks missed two penalties, before the hosts attacked for a four-try bonus point, but it was not to be.

Henley Hawks were denied victory in the seventh minute of added time as they lost 25-24 at home to Taunton Titans.

Tom Hall crashed over for the hosts, but the visitors led 12-5, thanks to tries from Freddie Fraser and Conor Harbison.

Henley levelled just before the break as Dave Manning went over and Liam O’Neill converted.

O’Neill converted his own try to make it 19-12, only for Kingdom to reply with a penalty.

Sam Portland’s score put Henley further in front, but Taunton were not finished.

Nick Mason crossed to make it 24-22, before Kingdom, who converted two tries, slotted a penalty with the last kick.