Bicester have been banned from next season's EDF Energy Senior Vase after they pulled out of their second-round trip to Cirencester.

Instead Saturday's tie was awarded to the Gloucestershire side who now meet Milton Keynes in the next round.

Bicester's press officer Paul Chrisp said the club had withdrawn as they wanted to avoid losing any more players to injury.

In addition, Bicester didn't feel their Fijian contingent of which they have ten registered players, were keen on travelling too far.

Curiously, the same day, 31 miles away, a strong Bicester Development XV won 71-0 against an Abingdon Development XV.

Six of their Fijian players, Esava Rakacikaci, Timico Matanavou, Nete Ban, Ben Wagalevu, Mataiasi Vave and Jimione Ranatora, were among their try-scorers.

Cameron Brown (2), Martin Linstrom and Steve Risbridger got their others.

"There were a number of reasons," said Chrisp, who made the decision in consultation with skipper Anthony Lewis and manager Mike Hutchinson.

"We had several people down with injuries – Alec Warriner had been ruled out for several weeks with a dislocated shoulder and Anthony Lewis had a minor hamstring injury.

"We didn't feel the Fijians were that good at travelling any distance.

"They are good club men, but sometimes are not keen on long-distance travel.

"The league is very much harder than it was last year. We will have a go at the county cup, but not the Vase."

Chrisp said it was the first time the club has ever withdrawn from the competition in its various guises.

Bicester should soon have a local rival in league rugby with the emergence of Alchester.

The club, who feature many of Bicester's former colts players, took to the field for the first time on Saturday.

Alchester lost 26-3 at Banbury 2nd with Steve Miller's penalty their only points.

Secretary Keith Nash said: "We are in negotiation to find a home ground at the minute, but now have Oxon RFU approval.

"If we can show we can fulfill 15 fixtures this season we will be entered into the league structure next season.

"At present, we have 15 arranged fixtures and are planning more as we want to be playing every week."

JUNIOR RESULTS

Under 17 – Oxon, Bucks & Berks Division 3: Oxford Harlequins 36 (tries J Jacobs 4, S Whittington, T Oates; cons J Todd 3) High Wycombe 0.

Under 13 – friendly: Oxford 0, Oxford Harlequins 49 (tries B Lee 4, B Groves, C Pinder, C Baskerville; cons D Todd 7).

Under 11 – friendlies: Chinnor A 0, Banbury A 12 (tries G Grieve, J Anderson; con J Taylor); Chinnor A 0, Banbury A 40 (tries A Bruce 2, J Briggs, T Chapman, R Lines, A Wardle; cons J Taylor 5); Chinnor C 0, Banbury B 49 (tries W Adams 2, G Barbeary 2, H Bradshaw, A Bull, W Hopkins; cons H Bradshaw 7); Chinnor B 7, Banbury B 7 (try O Haynes; con H Bradshaw).