A FAULTLESS display from Bicester’s defence was the feature of their 18-3 victory at home to Bletchley in Southern Counties North on Saturday.

In a hard-fought contest largely between the formidable Bletchley pack and the lively Bicester backs, brilliant tackling from the hosts’ Lemeki Valevou, Ryan Biscoe and Tom Horwood won the day.

In the first minute, prop Horwood drove strongly off the tail of the line-out, the ball being recycled to fly half Dave Hampton, who darted over for a try, which Tom Miles converted.

Full back Dean Williams replied for Bletchley with a 30-metre penalty goal.

The visitors were then driven back by a tremendous 70-metre touch find from a penalty by Miles.

After Bicester earned another penalty at the line-out, their forwards set up a powerful maul for skipper Matt Dye to be driven across for an unconverted try.

Leading 12-3 at the break, Bicester extended their advantage with a penalty from Miles after a handling move featuring No 8 Steve Limbrick, scrum half Craig Smith and flankers Dye and Biscoe had been illegally halted.

Another Miles penalty sealed the victory.

Bicester are now fifth in the table – one point ahead of Buckingham whom they visit on Saturday.

Alchester were beaten 16-13 at home to Crowthorne in the Berks Bucks & Oxon Premier Division.

The visitors raced into a 13-0 lead, before an Adam Thompson penalty reduced the deficit at half-time.

Alchester started the second half well and Jack Briggs went over, before Pete Salcombe also crossed.

But a second half penalty was enough to help Crowthorne over the line.