GOSFORD All Blacks narrowly lost 34-29 at Milton Keynes in a thrilling Southern Counties North clash.

They fell 15-0 behind after two Tim Parkinson tries. Brian Purcell, who earlier kicked a penalty, converted the first.

Jack Briggs went over at the end of the half for All Blacks.

Rob Matthews’s try, converted by Purcell, stretched the home side’s lead to 22-5.

But Gosford hit back through Dan Bullimore’s score. Tim Ellis added the extras and kicked a penalty.

However, Milton Keynes’ Parkinson crossed again to make it 27-15.

The visitors refused to give in and Briggs burst over, Ellis converting.

Back came the hosts, though, as Richard Hill scrambled over and Purcell added the extras.

All Blacks retaliated, with Ben Bodinham crossing, Harry Sutton converting. They pressed for another score, but had to settle for two losing bonus points.

Bicester kept their 100 per cent record in tact by beating Aylesbury 17-10.

Peter Tarrega went over, with Tom Miles adding the extras.

The first half ended 7-0, but Bicester’s Jack Horwood and Aylesbury’s Gary Horne were sin-binned.

Cory Neighbour crossed for the hosts and Stow converted, but a Miles penalty put the visitors 10-7 ahead.

Stow replied with a penalty, but Bicester sealed victory when Dave Hampton raced through.

Miles converted to make it 17-10.

He then missed a late penalty, but it did not matter.

Wallingford recorded a 28-7 victory over Beaconsfield at Hithercroft.

James Norris, Sam Botting and James Wiltshire were the south Oxfordshire club’s try-scorers.