Bicester ran in three tries as they beat Marlow 30- 15 at home in a superb all-round display in Southern Counties North on Saturday.

The result saw the hosts move to within a point of fifth-placed Thatcham.

Bicester almost went ahead early on, when John Behan, Mike Harris and Francois Wiese combined to send Dave Aslett racing over.

However, the ball was ripped off him by a Marlow player as he tried to ground it.

Although Marlow cleared their lines from the subsequent five-metre scrum, good work from Wiese created space for Tom Miles to slot over a drop goal for a 3-0 lead, before Marlow’s Connor McKillip levelled the scores.

Fly-half Miles then kicked Bicester into a 6-3 lead, before John Behan went over. Miles added the extras.

However, the hosts’ lead was cut to five points when Shaun Miller touched down.

A penalty from Dan Spencer (pictured) extended Bicester’s advantage after the break and Dickie Walsh crossed.

Spencer converted.

Andrew Faulkner went over for a converted try, before Marlow hit back through Matthew Saunders, McKillip adding the extras.

This Saturday, Bicester travel to Milton Keynes.

Relegated Alchester lost 14-5 to fourth-placed Stowon-the-Wold.

James Holmes went over twice, with Nick Cafaero converting both scores to give Stow a 14-point lead before the break.

Matt Flegg scored an unconverted try in the second half as Alchester more than held their own.

Alchester face Wallingford this weekend.

OTHER RESULT

BB&O North: Bicester 3rd 19 (tries A Nightingale, M Ewins, A Atashgah, cons S Nightingale, M Ewins, A Atashgah, cons S John 2), Harwell 2nd 17.