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WITNEY paid tribute to former captain Doug Richens as they recorded a 27-15 victory over Buckingham at Hailey Road.

Players from Witney’s first and second teams, as well as their opponents, held a minute’s silence in memory of the club stalwart, who died last Monday aged 72.

Two tries from prop Jamie Burke then helped Witney to a bonus-point win, despte taking their foot off the gas in the second half.

Fly half Henry Lamb’s miss pass played in full back James Monks, who crashed through for Witney’s opening try on nine minutes, with the former converting.

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Burke bustled his way over for try No 2 on 28 minutes after some good rucking and recycling.

Ben Fisk’s spectacular run set up fellow wing Harry Stephens to bag a third try from 30 metres, which Lamb converted.

Nine minutes after the break, Burke went over for his second, but Witney allowed Buckingham back in.

Tries from James Hulston, Joe Collins ansd Patrick Ockendon gave the visitors hope, while home flanker Stuart Catherall was sin-binned.

Witney at least finished well, with Lamb slotting a 77th-minute penalty.

Grove were edged out 28-26 at Trowbridge, where Harry Carr missed a late penalty to win the match.

Carr, playing at fly half, jinked through and converted Grove’s opening try.

Trowbridge hit back with a try from Tom Weaver, converted by Lloyd Davis, who added a penalty.

Wing Guy Nicholl’s try, converted by Carr, made it 14-10, but two Davis penalties gave the hosts a half-time lead.

Nicholl caught this own chip to run in his second try, converted by Carr, but James McLauchlan’s score levelled the match at 21-21.

Nicholl crashed over for his third try, but Davis converted Barry Coombs’s score for Trowbridge to earn the hosts victory.

Grove’s two bonus points at least saw them climb off the bottom.

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