Oxfordshire Under 20s' dream of playing at Twickenham died when they went down 28-19 to North Midlands in their Tetley's Under 20 Championship semi-final at Dudley Kingswinford on Saturday.

James LambIt was a gallant display from the Oxon lads, who actually trailed 22-0 at half-time.

North Midlands, playing with a strong wind at their backs, dominated the play with their big forwards and scored four tries, two of which were converted.

But Oxon, making their first appearance at this stage of the competition, rallied superbly in the second half.

They scored three tries through Witney's James Lamb, Jack Martin (Oxford Brookes University) and Abingdon's Tom Lewis. Banbury centre Matt Goode added two conversions.

However, Oxon never quite got withinstriking range, as North Midlands landed two penalties midway through the half to give themselves some breathing space.

However Oxon's performance, and their run through to the last four, reflected great credit on the county and their coaching team.

In the final at Twickenham on Saturday, May 24, North Midlands will play Yorkshire, who saw off Cornwall 39-12 at Redruth on Sunday.

DORSET & Wilts overcame Bucks 38-6 in the Tetley's County Shield on Saturday to go ahead of Oxfordshire in Pool 3 on points difference.

In fact, Oxon coach John Brodley and nine of his players were at Marlow to watch the game and spy on their opponents.

The pool title will be decided this Saturday when Oxfordshire, who overcame Bucks 40-18 the previous week, take on Dorset & Wilts at Swanage.

In the event of a draw, the home side would go through on points difference.

In the semi-finals on May 17, the Pool 3 winners will face either Somerset or Hampshire. The venue has yet to be drawn.

In Pool 4, Somerset won 20-6 against Eastern Counties, who then went down 29-27 to Hampshire after rallying from 29-0 down.

Hampshire entertain Somerset in the decider this Saturday. TRY-SCORER: James Lamb