Bicester were counting their lucky stars after scraping to a fortunate 14-9 victory at Gosford All Blacks in the BB&O Premier Division on Saturday.

Steve Risbridger’s penalty put Bicester ahead, but two Tim Ellis penalties, either side of Chris Bennett’s drop goal, gave Gosford a 9-3 advantage.

Bicester had been lacklustre and error-strewn, but pinched it in the final ten minutes thanks to two Risbridger penalties either side of a try from Dan Spencer.

This Saturday, Bicester will be looking for a much-improved performance when they make the short journey to Littlemore.

Meanwhile, Alchester ran out of steam as they went down to a 24-9 defeat at Wootton Bassett in Southern Counties North.

Fly half Tom Miles put Alchester 3-0 and 6-3 ahead via a drop goal and a penalty, Bassett levelling with a penalty each time.

Miles gave Alchester the lead with a penalty on 42 minutes, but two tries, a conversion and two penalties won it for the hosts.

Alchester centre Jack Briggs was denied an interception try for a dubious offside.

This weekend, Alchester travel to strugglers Slough in the League.

OTHER SCORERS BB&O Div 4: Bicester 2nd 36 (tries A Shaw C Nohre, C Nash, G Williams, J Holds-worth; cons J Blake 4; pen Blake), Thatch-am 2nd 15.

BB&O Div 5: Bicester 3rd 15 (tries C Stone, P Sullivan; con P Allington; pen Allington), Reading Abbey 3rd 36.