APART from a four-minute spell just after the break, Bicester competed well in their 30-11 defeat away to Salisbury in South West 1 East.

Turning round just three points behind, the visitors conceded two converted tries early in the second half and the third-placed hosts raced to a comfortable victory.

Bicester made a cracking start. Following good play by Shaun Reddish, the ball was quickly spun out wide to the left, where Adam Hall scorched 30 metres to the corner for an unconverted try.

Salisbury levelled with a charge-down try from scrum half Rob Larcombe.

Charlie Bethell restored the visitors’ lead with a penalty goal, but two penalties by fly-half Matthew Loader put the Wiltshire side 11-8 ahead at the break.

Then two quick tries from back-row forwards James Hill and Bobby Saunders, both converted by Loader stretched their lead to 25-8.

A super 40-yard penalty goal for Bicester by Dan Spencer cut the deficit, but Salisbury were never under threat and finished on a high with centre Jack Sheldrake crossing out wide on the right for an unconverted try.

Bicester will be hoping for better luck on Saturday, when they host Swindon.

Other results: Marlow 2nd 12, Bicester 2nd 21 (tries S Barrett, C Mann, R Gallacher; cons G Upton 3); Bicester 3rd w/o Aylesbury 3rd.

l Alchester take the next step in the rebuilding of the club when they host Harwell in the Oxfordshire Shield at Whitelands Farm, Kingsmere, Bicester, on Saturday (2pm).

This is the latest in a series of fixtures for the once defunct club, who welcome old or new players.

Those interested should ring either 07714 168471 or 07595 667464.