DIDCOT made a great start to life in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division with a resounding 39-22 victory away to Phoenix.
Promoted last season, when they lost three times to Phoenix, Didcot erased those memories in style.
The visitors, coached by Martin Moran, led only 20-15 at half-time with tries from Kieran Dorian, Chris Freeman and Ben Cox, plus a penalty by Josh Witts.
Didcot took advantage against tiring opponents to score two tries early in the second half, Grant Adams barrelling over and Sam Lacy touching down after a strong run. Witts converted one for 32-15.
Phoenix were gifted a try on the hour, but a score under the posts by Cox in the last minute, converted by Witts, confirmed Didcot’s superiority.
Harwell got off to a flying start with a 35-5 victory at home to Farnham Royal.
Lewis Giddings scored two tries for Harwell, with their others coming from James Hoskyns Jones, Andy Lee and Dan Corne.
Lee added a penalty and three conversions.
Wallingford ground out a 10-5 victory at home to Aylesbury in Southern Counties North.
After Phil Dawes had put the home side ahead with a penalty, Aylesbury responded by forcing their way over from close range for an unconverted try.
Wallingford then produced a moment of magic to win the game in the 50th minute.
After a loose Aylesbury pass went into touch on halfway, Dawes took a quick line-out to winger Ralph Smith, who stepped through the dozing Aylesbury defence, before chipping ahead and grounding the ball for a try.
Dawes converted from the touchline to complete the scoring.
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