Old Priorians lost to Beaconsfield in heartbreaking fashion as they were denied victory via a last minute penalty kick, beaten by a solitary point in Buckinghamshire as their three match winning streak came to an end.

The early signs appeared to point to a routine win for Beaconsfield, establishing a 15-0 lead just beyond the first quarter with three unconverted tries ; yet, strong phases and good handling from OPs gave them a way back in, Rory Gaffney the first to go over for the Twisters with Ross McIntosh converting to cut the lead back to eight points.

A Guy Djedje interception set the wheels in motion for the next try, Rhodri Darwent then offloading to captain Cathal Sheehan who was able to cross the line as another successful conversion ensued. However, Priorians conceded penalties from the restart which gave the hosts the opportunity to put some carries together and get a try bonus point after their fourth of the day, once again unconverted. Ross McIntosh kicked a penalty for OPs just before half time as Beaconsfield headed into half time 20-17 up.

A tremendous start to the second half saw the Twisters take the lead for the first time after a coast-to-coast try finished by Pierre Goualin, followed by another for Sheehan to take his total to nine tries in eight games for the 2025/26 season - his team leading 29-20 with half an hour to play.

Beaconsfield continued to surge forward but were unable to make it count, foisted by excellent OPs defence especially around the maul. Priorians eventually broke down the field and Ethan Wetherell helped stretched the lead to 14 points on 60 minutes to mark their stamp on the fixture.

However, there was a momentum shift towards the promotion hopefuls in the final quarter, working through the phases with patience to first go over with ten minutes left, then another from a tap and go with no more than three minutes remaining on the clock ; it was with the final action that the drama reached its apex.

Beaconsfield received penalties in attacking positions and with an effort right in front the posts, the offer of three points and a victory was too good to turn down. Duly slotted, it ended the game and extended Beaconsfield's winning streak to seven games.

A thrilling end to the match, OPs will obviously be upset that they couldn't close out the game but ought not be too disheartened given Beaconsfield's attacking prowess this season - it also acts as a good yardstick of progress and perhaps a measure of success for the campaign so far to run the form side in the division so close.

Priorians return to the pitch in two weeks with a home fixture against Teddington.

OPRFC SCORERS

T : Gaffney, Sheehan 2, Goualin, Wetherell

C : McIntosh 3

P : McIntosh