BICESTER climbed to the top of Southern Counties North with a 20-10 victory at home to Aylesbury.

They profited from former leaders Marlow’s game at High Wycombe being called off.

After two earlier misses, a Tom Miles penalty gave Bicester the lead.

Tries from Dave Lawther, Peter Tarrega and Miles made it 20-0 at half-time.

Miles converted his own try.

Aylesbury got off the mark, when Nicholas Mercer slotted a penalty.

Bicester’s Matt Dye was sin-binned on 59 minutes and the visitors took advantage, when Andrew Stobbs stretched over and David Stow added the extras.

But good defensive play allowed the hosts to earn victory.

A late rally from Gosford All Blacks saw them just fall short in a 15-12 defeat at home to Milton Keynes.

They trailed 15-0 after 65 minutes, also losing Dan Bullimore and Thom Murton to leg injures.

Two tries from Gavin Woodhead and five points from the boot of Scott Aspinall put the visitors in control.

Mark Robinson was sin-binned for Milton Keynes and Gosford hit back through Tim Ellis’s try.

Jack Briggs then went over, with Harry Sutton quickly drop-kicking the conversion.

Gosford pressed for another score, but they fell short.

Wallingford’s match at Beaconsfield was postponed.