By taking full advantage of the slope in the first half to score four well-worked tries, Bicester deservedly won their quarter-final 29-7 against a determined Wheatley, writes David Charles.

The Wheatley forwards, despite being without a regular No 8, often embarrassed the Southern Counties side and only some ferocious tackling in the home defence, led flankers Tony Nightingale and Lewis Smith, prop Sean Cooke and full back Matt Self, restricted them to a single try.

Bicester led 22-0 at the break thanks to tries from wingers Paul Inns and Dafydd Gould, and scrum half Martin Ewins. Gould added one conversion.

The visitors' forwards secured a lot more worthwhile possession in the second half, but it was Bicester who extended their lead when Lewis Smith dived over for a try, which Gould converted from near the touchline.

The gallant visitors were rewarded with a score from the last move of the game. Good work from second row George Dance helped prop Mark Cherry to muscle over from close range for a try converted by Andy Caldicott.

With their rearranged league match at Chesham on Saturday being postponed for a third time, Oxford fielded their second XV, the Nomads, who recorded a comfortable 24-8 win against visiting Blue Boar.

Although play was even for long periods, it was Oxford who forced the pace to win the try count by four to one.

Their tries were scored by Gavin Allinson, Rick Davies, Andy Bucknall and Guy Ramp, with Darren Hickey kicking two conversions.

The skill and pace of the Wallingford back division was the key to their 29-3 victory away to Gosford All Blacks.

Trailing 14-0 at the break, Gosford closed the gap with a drop goal by Gavin Dee, but Wallingford's third try saw the end of the home challenge in the worsening conditions.

Plate semi-final draw: Bicester v Oxford, Grove or Abingdon v Wallingford. Dates to be arranged.