A BICESTER XV were forced to battle all the way to earn a 17-0 friendly win over Brackley.

With a squad predominantly made up of second and third team players, they overcame the home side’s tough defensive resolve.

Brackley threatened in the early stages, but Bicester took the lead.

A powerful maul helped them gain 20 metres and flanker Keiran Holliday stretched across in the corner for an unconverted try.

Bicester struck again mid-way through the second half when fly half Dave Aslett crossed to make it 10-0.

And the victory was complete when George Upton converted his own try.

Bicester begin their Southern Counties North campaign when they travel to Stow-on-the-Wold on Saturday.

ALCHESTER kick-start their BB&O Premier bid on Saturday with a home encounter against relegated Swindon College Old Boys.

They will be looking to improve on last season’s seventh-place finish.