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 put the pressure on their hosts immediately and 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, in between a fine try-saving tackle from Bicester fly half Charlie Bethell.

The visitors hit back though as Wallingford were penalised for offside and Miles stepped up to slot a penalty from 35 yards.

But there was still time for the hosts to draw, only for Dawes to miss a late penalty.

The result sees Bicester remain second in the table and they face second-bottom Bletchley on Saturday.