Grove's hopes of gaining a place in South West Division 2 East next season were dashed when they lost 49-20 to Salisbury in their Southern Counties promotion play-off on Saturday.

This result means that, barring some unforseen circumstances, Bicester will be relegated from Southern Counties North to Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 1 next season.

The formation of next season's divisions will be finalised at a meeting on June 3.