Southern Counties North

GROVE kept their promotion hopes alive with a 34-7 victory over Tadley.

No 8 Guy Nicholl charged over for their opening try on five minutes, with fly half Roger Sevier converting and adding a penalty.

Tadley hit back with a converted try against the run of play, but Roger Sevier steadied the ship with a second penalty.

Flanker Matt Young set up scrum half Owen Gustafson for try No 2, converted by Roger Sevier.

Skipper James Eckert ran in Grove’s third try in the second half, Roger Sevier converting.

Full back Nick Sevier sidestepped his way through for the bonus-point try, despite having broken a hand, his brother Roger converting.

Alchester fought back to win 29-22 at Slough.

The hosts led 8-0 thanks to a penalty and a try, but Alchester came on strong after 30 minutes, with prop Jamie Jones being driven over.

Ieuan Robinson was next on the scoresheet, with fellow centre Tom Miles converting.

Alchester led 19-8 at the break after Jack Briggs finished off a blistering run from fellow wing Andy Blacklock and Miles converted.

Slough hit back with a converted try, while Miles slotted a penalty on the hour mark.

Full back Robin Tyreman ran in Alchester’s fourth try from 30 metres, Miles converting.

Slough managed a late converted try, but Alchester held on.

Wallingford could not quite do Grove a favour as lost 36-25 at home to second-placed Milton Keynes.