Rams RFC recorded their 13th successive victory, but were pushed all the way by Henley Hawks in a dramatic top of the table clash in National Two South.
Chester’s ambitions for a top two finish suffered a slight setback in Round 17 as Leicester Lions defeated the second-placed side in National Two North.
This weekend, Henley Hawks will be keen to maintain their fine form when they host Old Albanian as they continue to hunt down a top two spot in National Two South.
Chester are only four points behind Hull Ionians heading into Round 15 as they look to remain on the coattails of the league leaders and stay in the promotion places in National Two North.
Birmingham and Solihull and Old Redcliffians gave themselves a boost in Round 14 as both secured victories to increase their survival chances in National Two South.
National Two North league leaders Hull Ionians were on the verge of successive defeats, but two late tries against Macclesfield saw them rescue a victory.
National Two North leaders Hull Ionians will be looking to bounce straight back from their loss to Preston Grasshoppers when Macclesfield visit Brantingham Park on Saturday.
Saracens are now the only team in the Gallagher Premiership with a 100 per cent record as Exeter Chiefs fell to their first defeat of the campaign against Harlequins on Friday night.