BICESTER avenged a heavy defeat against Stow-on-the-Wold earlier in the season to claim a 32-12 away victory in Southern Counties North.

The bonus-point success took them into the top six and made amends for a 37-0 defeat at home to Stow in September.

It took half an hour before either side troubled the scoreboard, when Chris Harley touched down for a try.

It was converted by Dan Spencer, who added a penalty after Stow winger George Plumb was sin-binned to give Bicester a 10-0 lead at half-time.

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The hosts stormed back early in the second half to edge ahead, thanks to two quick tries from James Holmes, the second of which was converted by Nick Carfearo.

Within seven minutes Bicester restored their advantage through Tom Horwood.

Dave Behan quickly made it 20-12, before Stow’s hopes were virtually ended when Tom Foster was sent off for punching.

From the penalty Bicester kicked into touch, setting up a catch and drive which saw Ryan Gallacher burrow over for the bonus point.

Josh Young added gloss to the scoreline by storming over in the corner and Spencer converted from out wide to seal an emphatic victory.

Wallingford also won, but they had to come from behind to beat visitors Beaconsfield 27-23.

Despite a Phil Dawes penalty, the hosts were on the back foot after conceding two quick converted tries.

Wallingford responded with two scores of their own, through Ralph Smith and 17-year-old James Wiltshire, scoring his maiden try, to give them a 15-14 lead at the break.

A brace of penalties inched Beaconsfield back in front once more, but Dan Sadler kept them firmly in the game with Wallingford’s third try.

Another successful penalty put the visitors ahead again with less than ten minutes remaining.

But there was still time for one more momentum swing, when James Norris crashed over for what proved to be the decisive try.

OTHER SCORERS

BB&O 3: Bicester 2nds 27(tries P Howard 3, G Williams, C Nash; cons R Keen), Tadley 2nds 25.

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