Bicester may have lost their first ever competitive match against Aylesbury, but they can hold their heads up high after a gutsy display in a 10-7 defeat at Oxford Road.
Aylesbury scored a well-worked try after two minutes through left wing Aaron Bloxham's blindside break, with fly half Matt Winterburn adding the conversion.
Bicester, with the young half-back combination of James Davies and Alistair Smith to the fore, had the lion's share of possession in the first half, but were unable to win crucial line-outs
Winterburn's penalty put Aylesbury 10-0 ahead at the break.
But Bicester, who lost No 8 James Shouler and flanker Martin Linstrom due to injuries, got back in the game when skipper Martin Ewins was shunted over for a try, following a catch and drive from a line-out.
Full back Tom Edgar added the conversion, but the visitors hung on for a narrow victory.
Witney's promotion hopes suffered a setback when they went down 6-0 in a poor display at Olney.
The home side dictated play in the first half. with Witney's Chris Murray, making his first start of the season at fly half, having a torrid afternoon.
Olney took the lead with a penalty after 20 minutes, but Witney's defence, with centres Richard Martin and Mick Dunbar and full back Henry Lamb outstanding, never looked like being breached.
After Olney had doubled their lead in the second half with another penalty, Witney had their best scoring chance, but flanker Tim Muller's burst for the line broke down due to lack of support.
Wallingford stayed rooted to the bottom after losing 37-13 to fellow strugglers Beaconsfield.
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