With both Directors of Rugby, Seb Reynolds and Richard Thorpe, in attendance, the hosts made the initial breakthrough as the excellent fly-half Billy Dainton and captain Charlie Maxwell both carried strongly into the visitors’ 22, the former benefitting a few phases later to open the scoring on the left.

Dainton was unable to add the extras, and Chinnor levelled matters when some slick handling in the backs freed right wing Henry Stainton to finish brilliantly, showing a combination of pace and power to beat several would-be tacklers as he touched down in the corner.

The Thame-based side then moved in front as a fabulous break in midfield from powerful prop George Austin set him away, and after he kicked ahead, Chinnor were able to regain the ball in the hosts’ 22 before Ben Smith went over on the left.

Again the conversion attempt was off target, and Rams equalled matters before the break when man-of-the-match Bernard 'The Bull' Kalanouski, a whirling dervish of power and energy throughout the contest, blasted his was over from close range.

The quality of rugby on show from the two sides had been of the highest order in an entertaining first half, and it showed no signs of slowing down as the hosts regained the lead early in the second period.

With former Philippines Under 19 man Kalanouski leading the way with his strong carrying, the Rams’ backs then showed their quality by setting wing Marcus Lampkin away.

He made a sensational 50-metre burst down the right-hand touchline before unselfishly picking a perfect long pass back inside for Brad Wilkins to dot down next to the posts.

Dainton added the extras for 17-10, and Rams then produced another cracker as a lovely line from centre Ben Spackman allowed Jacob Watkins to cross on his inside shoulder.

Stand-off Dainton drop-kicked the conversion from in front of the posts for 24-10, but his side failed to collect the restart as Chinnor launched a series of attacks as they looked to get back into the game.

Yet Rams seemed to grab the decisive score with an amazing length-of-the-field effort, running it from underneath their own posts as Dan Bennett went on a mazy 70-metre charge before allowing Kier Martin to finish the job.

Chinnor, though showed wonderful bravery to go with their free-flowing and attractive game, and gained two quick-fire scores through Owen Golding and Smith to cut the deficit to nine points.

However, their hopes of a rousing comeback win were thwarted by another cracking try, Rams’ scrum-half Josh Ede spotting a gap and darting in from some 30 metres out to complete the scoring on an evening which will be tough to live up to in the 1st XV clash at Kingsey Road tomorrow evening (7.45pm).

The contest also provided a family highlight as brothers Callum and Alex Pitfield - sons of club photographer Tim and Jane - played together for the first time!

Rams U23/Returning Students Squad:

(15-9; 1-8) Jacob Watkins, James Dias, Ben Spackman, Brad Wilkins, Marcus Lampkin, Billy Dainton, Josh Ede; Tom Plater, Bernard Kalanouski, Rob De Allie, Callum Burbage, Ryan Kinsella, Callum Pitfield, Charlie Maxwell ©, Hamish Bergeret.

Replacements: Alex Morgans, Alex Philips, Steven Webber, Ali Glen, Danny Whittle, Joe Newton, Kier Martin, Dan Bennett.

*Supporters are advised to pre-book their tickets for what is likely to be a busy night by clicking here