BICESTER lost 41-36 at South West 1 East side Newbury Blues in pre-season.

Played over three periods of 30 minutes, Bicester won the first session 19-5, thanks to tries from Pauliasi Sema, Tim Farrow and Dave Aslett.

Dan Spencer kicked two conversions.

Dickie Walsh and Mike Harris went over as Bicester lost the second period 17-10.

They were then 34-29 down overall in the third, but retook the lead when Sema went over for a converted score.

However, Newbury claimed victory late on.