SECOND-PLACED Littlemore suffered a 26-14 defeat at Chesham in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier.

The hosts started strongly and two converted tries saw them lead 14-0 after 30 minutes.

With a Chesham player in the sin-bin on the stroke of half-time, Littlemore capitalised.

Ralph Jones stretched over and Stewart Beale converted.

Roles were then reversed for the second try as the latter crossed to level the match and the former added the extras.

Littlemore won a penalty and kicked to the corner, but failed to take the opportunity.

Chesham then hit back, with a penalty and scored three tries to land victory.

Fourth-placed Wheatley were handed a walkover by Crowthorne.

But struggling Abingdon lost 20-12 at Bletchley, while Didcot were beaten 42-27 at home by leaders Slough.

In the Championship, Chipping Norton recorded a 44-17 win over Berkshire Shire Hall.

Basement boys Faringdon fell to a 22-16 defeat at home to Aldermaston.

Second-bottom Harwell lost 44-15 at Phoenix, with Aidan Robbins, Mike Giddings and Andy Strickland crossing for the visitors.

WALLINGFORD were unable to begin the new year with a victory as they lost 27-10 at Buckingham in Southern Counties North.

Carl Tappin crashed over for the visitors, with Phil Dawes kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Second-bottom Gosford All Blacks picked up a losing bonus point in a narrow 25-24 defeat at home to Stow-on-the-Wold.