Cup Round-up

ALCHESTER defeated Blanford 19-7 to win the Southern Counties Senior Vase final and move to within two victories of Twickenham.

On five minutes, hooker Garrick Kimber crossed after good work from his forwards, centre Tom Miles converting.

Five minutes later, No 8 Joe McEneaney broke from a ruck to score try No 2, Miles again converting.

Quick ball through the backs allowed wing Andy Blacklock to touch down in the corner, while Alchester also had two further tries disallowed.

Blandford pressed the visitors in the second half and managed a converted try on 70 minutes, but Alchester’s defence held out, with flanker Lou Byrne making a key tackle.

Alchester will visit Gloucester’s Old Richians in the national quarter-finals on April 2.

With the BB&O Premier Division title almost sewn up, Alchester are also in the Oxfordshire Shield semi-finals.

Abingdon lost 33-5 at Princes Risborough in the Southern Counties Junior Vase final.