Southern Counties North

Centre Carl Strutt grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Witney went clear at the top after thumping Bicester 58-3 in a bruising local derby at Hailey Road.

Bicester battled fairly well, but still suffered a nine-try deluge.

Witney captain James Lamb was set up by his brother Henry for the first try after three minutes, full back Ed Mitchem converting and adding a penalty.

Strutt broke through to score try No 2, then ran in an interception try from halfway, with Mitchem converting for 22-0.

Lock Joe Rowles powered over just before the break and Mitchem converted.

Two minutes after the break, scrum half Gareth Campbell raced in for try No 5, Mitchem again converting.

Bicester knuckled down and produced their best period of the match, with centre Chris Nash and wing Leigh Rushworth going close.

Fly half Tom Barnes slotted a penalty to get the visitors on the board.

Strutt completed his try treble following Henry Lamb’s chip, then the latter put James Lamb across for his second, Mitchem converting.

There was still time for Gareth Campbell to bag a second try and wing James Monks to side-step through.

Chipping Norton saw Chris Dixon and Darren Warner deepen their injury crisis after a 12-0 defeat at Aylesbury.

Both players ended up in hospital on a miserable day for Chippy.