National cups

WALLINGFORD’S hopes of a Twickenham appearance were ended by a 25-20 home defeat to Wimborne in the Southern Counties Intermediate Cup final.

Victory would have left the hosts just two more wins away from a national final at the home of English rugby, but they were undone by Wimborne’s strong start to the second half.

Wallingford suffered three late withdrawals, including the unlucky Ben Selwood, who was hit by a car as he tried to leave the pitch after warming up.

But they started well and took the lead with two penalties from fly half Olli Henderson.

Wimborne hit back with a try after appearing to get away with a knock-on as fly half Tom Moysey won the race to touch down his own hack ahead.

No 8 Rich Bower took a quick penalty and raced through a dozing defence to set up wing Fraser Hunt, Selwood’s replacement, to score, Henderson converting.

Moysey slotted a penalty for Wimborne, who were denied a try by a great saving tackle from Wallingford full back Henry Venners.

Wimborne took the lead after the break when Ben Hunt off-loaded to Paul Watson, who scored under the posts and Moysey converted.

Moysey kicked a penalty and converted a try from Will Tarbard to make it 25-13.

Flanker Ed Glynn rounded off a great move to reply for Wallingford and Henderson converted, but Wimborne held on in front of their vocal away support.

Chipping Norton exited the Senior Vase at the same stage following a 25-5 home defeat to Marlborough.

The hosts started well, but lost scrum half Matt King to the sin bin on ten minutes.

Marlborough scored two tries to lead 10-0 at the break and took control after King received a red card for more foul play.

Trailing 25-0, Chippy managed a consolation try through Sam Jackson.