CHAMPIONS Littlemore’s quest for a perfect season faltered at the final hurdle when they lost 18-17 to Berkshire Shire Hall.

They found themselves 15-0 down after half an hour of the BB&O Championship clash, but hit back to lead, only to be denied late on.

Tries from Rich Tattersall (2) and Ben Symington, the first converted by Jonny Williams, put Littlemore 17-15 ahead with 12 minutes remaining.

But a late Shire Hall penalty denied them the chance to make it 20 wins out of 20 and finish with a 100 per cent record.

Jack Taylor scored four tries and kicked eight conversions as Wheatley secured second place and promotion with a 61-17 win at Chipping Norton.

Iain Downer (3) and Adam Muir (2) also crossed.

Oxford beat Faringdon 31-30.

Ali Gibb continued his fine form, scoring a hat-trick of tries.

Phil Gleeson and Craig Boyce also went over. Matt Howells converted three of the scores.

Faringdon could have won it, but a late penalty attempt sailed wide.

In the Premier, third-placed Didcot lost 54-13 at Hungerford.