ALCHESTER were always playing catch-up as they lost 27-17 at home to Chipping Norton in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division on Saturday.

The visitors raced 12-0 ahead in the first half with two breakaway tries from well-timed interceptions.

This was despite Alchester dominating the set-pieces and possession.

The hosts replied with the last play of the first half when Jack Briggs scored under the posts, converted by Adam White to make it 12-7 at the break.

Chippy then went 22-7 up with a converted try – when their fly half stole the ball and ran in unopposed under the posts – and a penalty.

Alchester’s Matthew Beckley replied with a try, only for Chippy to break away and make it 27-12 with only minutes left.

The prolific Jack Briggs’ added a late try for the hosts Next up for the Blues is the rearranged trip to Chesham on Saturday.