Buoyant Bicester ended Marlow’s unbeaten home record with an exciting 22-20 victory in Southern Counties North.

Winger John Behan scored two tries for Bicester, who had trailed 20-10 midway through the second half.

Bicester fought back brilliantly to score two tries, the second of which – a penalty try – was converted by fly half Andy Cook.

The architect of this fine effort was loose-head prop Tom Horwood, whose driving runs made huge dents in the Marlow defence.

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The hosts led 12-0 after 20 minutes following two quick tries from centre Steve Pincott and winger Shaun Miller plus a conversion from Nick Carvey. Unconverted tries from Behan and No 8 Dan Spencer after the break brought Bicester back into the game.

A try by Miles Noble and penalty Carver extended Marlow’s advantage to 20-10.

Behan screamed over for his second try before the pack’s strong surge earned a penalty try, which Cook improved with his one successful kick of the game.

A try two minutes from time snatched defeat from the jaws of victory for depleted Wallingford, who lost 21-17 at home to third-placed Thatcham.

Despite being under the cosh in the first half, conceded only two converted tries in the first half.

Wallingford hit back with an interception try from Ralph Smith and a close-range effort from Duncan Kitts to trail only 14-10 at half-time.

The teams slugged it out for nearly half an hour in the second half before Phil Dawes disrupted a Thatcham scrum, and Tom Swainston hacked ahead and dived on the ball for a try that was converted.

Thatcham worked their way back into the Wallingford 22. after some missed tackles.

And with just two minutes left, good hands by Thatcham put their winger in space on the right to touch down for the decisive converted try.

Alchester battled hard, but went down 31-7 away to Stow-on-the-Wold.

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