CHRIS Stables scored ten points as Abingdon kick-started the calendar year with a 20-7 victory at Alchester on Saturday.

Third-placed Abingdon’s victory saw them close to within five points of leaders Gosford All Blacks.

In a physical Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier encounter, the hosts were unable to take their opportunities and fly half Stables slotted two penalties to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.

Abingdon’s clinical work with the boot continued after the break, resulting in Robert Tyreman and Callum Percival touching down from well-placed kicks over the top.

Alchester’s try was scored by Neil Bee on 60 minutes.

Grove’s poor run continued as they suffered a sixth successive defeat in crashing 52-7 to Maidenhead in South West 1 East.

They are placed fourth from bottom in the league, but are eight points clear of High Wycombe, who are one spot below them.

Wallingford moved up to fourth in Southern Counties North with an 18-10 victory at Marlow, their seventh win from 12 games in the league.

The visitors came from 7-0 down early on to triumph thanks to tries from Pete McKinley and Tom Swainston.

Phil Dawes landed two penalties and a conversion as Wallingford avenged their previous 23-0 defeat inflicted by Marlow at the start of the campaign.

In the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Championship, Didcot cruised past Aldermaston 24-0 to stay second in the table Faringdon were edged out 11-9 by table-topping Phoenix.