BICESTER were unable to build upon their recent good form as they were beaten 24-17 by relegated Milton Keynes in Southern Counties North.

The league’s bottom side recorded their first points of the season in a scrappy encounter, but Steve Limbrick’s converted try salvaged a losing bonus point.

Milton Keynes went ahead when Michael Fitzgerald plunged over and they took a 12-0 lead into the break after Andrew Poole crossed.

Full-back Scott Aspinall added the extras.

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In the second half, Milton Keynes took advantage of a Bicester ruck infringement by firing a penalty towards the left corner.

From the driven line-out, Fitzgerald crossed for his second try.

Bicester began to show some urgency and a quickly taken penalty saw prop Dave Behan power over the whitewash for an unconverted try.

The visitors then went close from a driven line-out on the left, before Milton Keynes were shunted backwards off their own scrum ball.

From the ensuing penalty, the ball was whipped out wide to the right, where winger Dave Aslett put centre Dave Hampton over in the corner for another try.

However, Milton Keynes went on to score what turned out to be the match-winning try, with Jack Linthwaite touching down in the corner.

Aspinall converted.

Despite the setback, Bicester replied with an impressive team try.

Seven players combined to send flanker Limbrick across the line.

Tom Miles converted to grab a bonus point for Bicester.

Wallingford tasted victory in their last home match of the season with a 31-5 win over relegated Alchester.

The home side were edging the setpiece encounters and it was Wallingford’s wingers who crossed after good work from the forwards.

Pete McKinley and Henry Wiltshire both went over twice, while Tom Bowling also scored.

Tom Swainstone converted three of the tries.

Charlie Surman went over for Alchester in the second half, but it proved no more than a consolation.

Wallingford end the season with a trip to Aylesbury on April 18, while Alchester host Thatcham. Bicester face Royal Wootton Bassett.