BICESTER came from behind to scrape past hosts Wallingford 23-20 in a dramatic local derby to maintain their 100 per cent record in Southern Counties North.

Phil Dawes had a chance to snatch a draw for Wallingford with a late 25-metre penalty, but he missed, much to Bicester’s relief.

The hosts had led 14-10 at half-time thanks to tries from James Norris and Finbarr Aherne, both converted by Dawes.

Bicester’s points came from a charging try by winger Pete Tarrega plus a conversion and a penalty by Tom Miles.

In the second half, the visitors went 20-14 ahead with a try by replacement lock Matt Dye, which Miles converted, along with a penalty.

Two penalty goals by Dawes levelled the scores, before a magnificent 35-yards kick by Miles put Bicester back in front ten minutes from time. Then came Dawes’s late miss.

Gosford All Blacks’ weakened side went down 49-10 away to Thatcham.

However, the visitors made a brilliant start, taking a 10-0 lead with all the points coming from scrum half Tim Ellis.

After landing a penalty, he converted his own try, which was set up by Chris Bennett.

However, Thatcham stormed back to lead 30-10 at the break thanks to tries from No 8 Mark Smith, loose head prop Matt |Langton, full back Mike Rance and winger Simon Niven, with fly half Joe Leadley adding tem points from his boot.

Gosford suffered several injuries in the first half, losing hooker Liam Donnelly and prop Myles Selvey, while replacement Harry Hobbs made his debut for the club at flanker.

In the second half Thatcham added three further tries and one conversion.