James Monks proved the matchwinner as Witney went two points clear at the top of Southern Counties North after a scrappy 13-8 win at Milton Keynes.

With title rivals Amersham & Chiltern and Grove not playing due to the freezing conditions, Witney’s victory could prove crucial in the long run.

The visitors were trailing 8-5 well into the second half when wing Monks collected a kick on halfway and set off upfield.

A mixture of determined running and some ineffective tackling saw him romp over for a great individual effort.

The less said about Witney’s first-half display, the better.

Milton Keynes scored a try and were the better side in most phases as Witney played in fits and starts.

The visitors turned around with purpose and equalised with a well-worked try.

Hooker Sam Collins found lock Charlie Bennett with his line-out throw and Witney’s drive saw Collins score.

They failed to press on and Milton Keynes went 8-5 ahead with a penalty.

The introduction of Tim Muller at flanker gave the visitors impetus, while Monks and skipper James Lamb had good bursts.

Things looked bleak when Witney lock Owen Fowler was sin-binned, but they survived the ten-minute spell before Monks struck decisively.

Witney’s tackling was strong in the closing stages and a late penalty from replacement Tom Harper sealed the spoils.

OTHER SCORERS

BB&O Division 1 South: Aldermaston 0, Grove 2nd 60 (tries L Nickell 2, B Law 2, C Boshell 2, A Lane, G Hudson, T Harrington; pen J Xavier; cons S Xavier 5, J Xavier).