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GROVE held on to record their first win of the season – an 11-7 success at Bletchley – despite having hooker Steve Dixey sent off.

Dixey was red-carded for stamping after 65 minutes with Grove leading 11-0 and the hosts hit back after that.

The visitors had plenty of territory in the first half, but struggled to convert pressure into points.

They managed a try on 25 minutes when lock Rory Gratwohl went over from a short line-out move.

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Full back Henry Day slotted a penalty just before half-time and added a second on the hour mark.

Bletchley made their extra man count with a converted try from a rolling maul on 70 minutes, but Grove defended well after that.

Witney lost 30-19 at home to leaders Chippenham.

Fly half Henry Lamb kicked Witney ahead with a penalty, while wing James Monks went close to a try.

Chippenham fly half Dom Riccio slotted a penalty, but Lamb replied in kind.

Two quick tries, from wing Bradley Doggert and centre Ryan Surry, Riccio converting the former, made it 15-6.

Riccio converted a second try from Doggert, who was then penalised for a high tackle before the break, Lamb slotting the penalty.

Doggert was red-carded for a further dangerous tackle on lock Dave Hyde.

Witney replied with a try from wing Charlie Nell, but Matt Whitehead’s try made it 27-14 to Chippenham.

The visitors had Nicholas Aston sin-binned and Lamb dived over for Witney’s second try, but Riccio completed the scoring with a penalty.

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