SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH

WALLINGFORD held on to beat Bicester 25-24 at the Hithercroft after Andrew Cook missed a late conversion from in front of the posts.

Dave Aslett’s try, with two minutes left, looked to have been decisive for Bicester, but Cook’s conversion drifted wide.

The hosts started well, with Phil Dawes slotting a penalty.

Dan Sadler linked with Henry Wiltshire to score Wallingford’s opening try, converted by Dawes, with Wiltshire finishing brilliantly for their second.

Chris Harley replied for Bicester, Cook converting.

Dawes kicked a penalty, but tries from Mike Harris and Matt Dye, Cook converting one, put the visitors 19-18 ahead.

Ralph Smith sliced through to set up Sadler for his second, Dawes converting for 25-19.

Having nearly had his first conversion charged down, Cook took his kick after Aslett’s try from outside the 22 and missed the target.

Alchester produced a better display, despite losing 28-13 at home to Beaconsfield.

Raki Suva scored the hosts’ sole try, with Tom Miles converting and adding two penalties.