Witney were overpowered in a 36-19 defeat at Newbury Blues in SSE English Clubs Championship South West 1 East.

They were hoping to build on last week’s victory against Bletchley.

The visitors’ cause was not helped by the sending off of centre Matt Clarke and injuries to scrum half Gareth Campbell and prop Matt Calley.

Witney trailed 5-3 and 17-14 at different points, but New-bury came on strong in the final half hour.

Flankers Paul Hackett and Josh Love plus wing Jamie Futcher all scored try doubles for Newbury, with fly half Richard West kicking three conversions.

Fly half Henry Lamb slotted a drop goal and a penalty, while prop Jamie Burke scored after the hosts had two players yellow-carded.

That made it 17-11 at half-time, while Lamb added a further penalty and Charlie Bennett scored from a rolling maul.

But Newbury ran away with it after Clarke’s red card.