Alchester coach Chris Kimber hailed his players’ efforts for reaching the Southern Counties Senior Vase final.

The Oxfordshire club, who are in their first season of league rugby, will host Drifters in the final on February 27 after a superb 20-8 victory at Marlborough.

Kimber, whose side are three wins from a Twickenham appearance, said: “That was probably the best 80 minutes of rugby we have played all season.

“Credit must go to the forwards, who stepped up to the mark and made Marlborough play behind the gain line.

“And the backs also deserve much credit for their storming defence and sharpness in attack.”

  • FORMER Witney Angel Louise Gray was an unused replacement as Scotland defeated France 10-8 in the women’s Six Nations.

Prop Gray will hope to make her debut after being named on the bench again to face Wales this weekend.

  • CHINNOR’S Rob Hill has been named on the bench for the England Deaf team’s clash with Wales at Broadstreet RFC on Sunday.
  • FORMER Oxford Harlequins director of rugby Matt Maudsley won first prize of a family holiday to Lapland in the Gatwick Factor singing competition.