SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH

OXFORDSHIRE’S three representatives endured torrid starts to the campaign with a trio of heavy defeats.

Alchester lost 49-8 at Thatcham, Wallingford were beaten 55-5 at home to Aylesbury, while Bicester were hammered 60-0 at Royal Wootton Bassett.

Thatcham led 13-0 before Tom Miles slotted a penalty for Alchester, for whom Meli Rakacaia also scored a late try.

Louis Kanaar-Brown, James Thorogood, Tim Apperley, Callum Stewart, Joe Leadley, Liam Rowland and Simon Niven went over for Thatcham, with Leadley converting four and slotting two penalties.

A try from wing Glenn Dearlove gave Wallingford brief hope at 19-5 down against Aylesbury.

But tries from James Woodfall (5), Liam Moloney, Jim Dodds, George Wheble and Jonny Burgess, plus five Woodfall conversions sealed the visitors’ win.

Bicester succumbed to Wootton Bassett’s superior power and organisation.

Gary Williamson (2), Deri Thomas (2), Liam Rowe, Dave Hogg, Tim Gallimore, Hamish Forbes-Keith, Gavin Ougan and Danny Randell scored tries, with Hogg convertng five.

Bicester replacement Antony Iveson went close in the second half, while lock Ryan Gallacher was sin-binned in the opening period.