Witney thrashed Bicester 41-11 at Oxford Road, but the hosts did at least avoid relegation from Southern Counties North.

Beaconsfield’s defeat at runners-up Marlow left them bottom, with no more than one side dropping down.

Bicester enjoyed more of the territory early on and took the lead after Witney lock Owen Fowler was sin-binned for tackling prop Tony Shaw before he had retreated ten metres for a penalty.

Scrum half Steve Risbridger slotted the resulting penalty on 23 minutes.

Witney had already lost lock Charlie Bennett with an ankle injury and flanker Carl Campbell to the blood bin.

But they hit back when James Monks, Aaron Tustin and Tim Muller set up skipper Jez Hicks to score, Ed Mitchem converting.

Another strong drive from Shaw set up a Bicester penalty, which Risbridger converted.

Witney struck again when wing Carl Strutt burst through midfield and centre Tustin outpaced the defence, Mitchem converting.

The visitors led 14-6 at the break, but scored almost immediately after the restart with hooker Collins pouncing wide out and Mitchem converting superbly.

Mitchem almost created another try after a strong break, but his pass drifted out.

Witney’s line-out had been strong all day, and a close-range steal allowed prop Alan Richens to drive over and Mitchem converting.

Mitchem added a penalty before Bicester managed a fine try – Risbridger, Martin Linstrom and Christian Wright setting up wing Leigh Rushworth.

Witney had the final say with Mitchem kicking a penalty and converting a powerful try from Henry Lamb.

Chipping Norton lost 34-19 at champions Buckingham, while Swindon beat Grove 39-16.