One successful conversion was the difference between the sides as Grove won 21-19 at Bicester in a friendly on Saturday.

Grove centre Ben Nicholl opened the scoring with a try, fly half Dave Maryon landing the first of three conversions.

Bicester scrum half James Barrett replied with an unconverted try.

But Grove, who were playing with the slope, hit back when prop Rufus Trotman forced his way over.

When Bicester prop Dave Brogan ploughed over for a try, which Barrett converted, Bicester trailed by only two points just before half-time.

However, Nicholl immediately put full back Nick Sevier between the posts for Maryon to convert and give Grove a 21-12 half-time lead.

Bicester managed just one try from No 8 Christian Wright, converted by Barrett, when playing down the slope in the second half.

Barrett's attempt to win the game with a late drop goal went well wide.