SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH

JOE McEneaney’s try treble helped Alchester to a 31-12 victory at fourth-placed Milton Keynes that guaranteed their survival.

Neither of the bottom two can now overhaul Alchester, who looked in real trouble earlier this year.

No 8 McEneaney’s first try, converted by fly half Tom Miles, put Alchester ahead early on.

Milton Keynes scored a try in each half plus one conversion, but the visitors were always in control.

McEneaney’s second and third tries came either side of one from lock Andy Harbottle.

Miles converted all four and added a first-half penalty.

Wallingford collected a four-try bonus point in their 36-24 defeat at third-placed Thatcham.

The visitors were left frustrated by what they felt was some pedantic refereeing, but need just three points from four matches to avoid relegation.

Ralph Smith’s late try, allied to earlier scores from James Norris, Shaun Bailey, Adam Cambridge, saw Wallingford end the match on a positive note.

Ben Selwood kicked two conversions, but was also sin-binned.