BIG-HITTER: Bicester's Dave Clayton (with ball) takes some stopping during their win over Henley in the Oxfordshire Veterans Cup finalPicture: Steve Wheeler Order No. 215817 Bicester won the Oxfordshire Veterans Cup for the first time when their pack powered them to a 10-5 victory over holders Henley at Witney.

Bicester's Dave Clayton - with ballWell-served by the ball-carrying skills of Dave Clayton, and the livewire interventions of man-of-the match Dylan Evans, Bicester denied possession to the talented Henley back division.

Henley's eight almost looked like pygmies in comparison, despite the presence of players like Rob Heginbotham and Conor Prendergast.

There was some brave tackling to thwart many of these ferocious Bicester charges, none more so than by Danny Batty, but once in each half they could not be contained. Henley took the lead with a well-worked try from left winger Tim Verran following a quickly taken penalty.

Bicester responded and Clayton crashed over for an unconverted try to level the scores.

The winning try came shortly after half-time, following a concerted move linked together by fly half Neil Smith.

Smith fed the ubiquitous Clayton, who sent replacement flanker Steve Coogan hurtling over to the right of the posts.

Even though tight-head prop Kevin Smith was sinbinned, Bicester held on under severe Henley pressure.

Bicester's victory was even more meritorious considering that prop Tony Cannon had to retire with a shoulder injury and lock Nigel Cox arrived without his boots!