WITNEY lost top spot in Southern Counties North with a lacklustre 17-15 defeat at previously struggling Buckingham.

To make things worse, they had led 15-3 and must improve if they are to maintain their title challenge.

Witney scored first from a turnover by lively back-rower Tim Muller.

He was involved again in a good interpassing move which saw Henry Lamb score out wide.

Lamb converted his own try from the touchline and then added a penalty to put Witney in the driving seat.

Buckingham responded well with a penalty and had most of the pressure before the interval following Muller's yellow card.

Early in the second half, Witney again showed what they are capable of with a great try, which saw superb handling.

This time it was Matt Brocklebank who crossed over for his second in successive games.

Instead of settling down, Witney panicked and the hungrier Buckingham side grew in confidence and pegged back the deficit.

Flanker Will Worrall gave the visitors hope in the loose, but they lacked any control, especially in the line-out.

Buckingham took the lead and held on for a deserved victory.

Grove thrashed Supermarine 54-0, but Chipping Norton lost 45-7 at Tadley.