Two tries from captain Jon Hickman helped Chipping Norton to a 23-12 derby victory at home to Grove in Southern Counties North.

The No 8 scored in each half and formed an effective partnership with openside flanker Matt Dawson.

But Chippy never looked like running away with it against a battling, if limited, Grove side.

Chippy had the first chance when fly half Adam Smith charged down a clearance from his opposite number Dave Johnson in the fourth minute.

Wing Tom Hall couldn't quite capitalise, while at the other end, Grove centre Ben Law cut inside when they looked to have created a decent opportunity.

The breakthrough came on 15 minutes when Chippy's sharp scrum half Robbie Naish twisted his way into space and the supporting Hickman powered over.

Grove were missing both their first-choice props, so hooker Steve Dixey had to pack down at loose-head.

He was given a good working-over by Chippy's Lee Tustin, but Smith couldn't take advantage of the resulting penalty.

Grove hit back on 26 minutes when Johnson broke superbly through the middle and centre Jamie Burns took the pass to sprint in.

Centre Meryck Royce look set to give Chippy an immediate riposte, but incredibly was scragged back into play as he tried to touch down.

Try No 2 soon followed as some quick hands capitalised on Hickman's drive and wing Craig Korszewski went over on the left.

On 46 minutes, the impressive Dawson broke from a lineout and unselfishly fed Hickman for the skipper's second try.

Three minutes later, Smith landed his only kick of the match with apenalty.

Grove were not out of it at this stage, but saw some real pressure come to nothing when Barry Nutt intercepted Johnson's pass and ran clear.

Hooker Ian Waldron and lock Malcolm Hohls almost combined for a Chippy try. The decisive blow came with ten minutes to go when another rampaging Dawson break, followed by some slick passing, saw Hall canter over on the right.

Chippy wasted another chance with a knock on as two players went for Dawson's off-load, but Grove ended positively.

They had had a decent spell in the home 22 when replacement lock Rob Weaving powered over for Roger Sevier to convert with the final action of the game.

Chipping Norton: Nutt, Hall, Penny, Royce (Millard 76), Korszweski, Smith, Naish, Davey, Waldron, Tustin (Holland 69), Hancock, Hohls (Murray 65), Walker, Dawson, Hickman (capt).

Grove: Sevier, Godwin, Burns, Law, Young (Cramp 71), Johnson, Naish, Dixey, Wallbridge, Stoner, Grant, Harpwood (Weaving 69), Fredericks, Kerr, Smart (capt).