Berks, Bucks & Oxon

Chad Ward was the toast of Bicester after landing a 35-metre penalty with the last kick of the game to earn Bicester an unconvincing 22-19 victory against Phoenix.

The result keeps them top of Division 1, but their backs will have to make much better use of possession if they are to stay there.

Two tries by No 8 Mark Grace and another by centre Chris Nash, plus two conversions from Ward, put Bicester 19-9 ahead at half-time.

But they struggled in the second period and Phoenix scored twice to draw level.

In a nail-biting finish, Ward slotted home a beautifully-struck kick to claim the spoils.

Abingdon's outside chances of promotion from Division 2 diminished with a 17-6 defeat at Berkshire Shire Hall.

Enjoying plenty of possession in the first half, Abingdon were disappointed with their narrow 6-0 half-time lead, courtesy of two penalty goals from captain Xavier Lecocq.

In the second half, Shire Hall scored one debatable try and another from an interception to claim the points.