BANBURY reached the National Under 18 Plate semi-finals after a 22-13 victory over Shelford at Bloxham School.

Tries from Tom Letch and Alex Cox, who converted his own effort, saw Banbury 12-3 ahead at half-time.

It was 19-8 when Cox converted Banbury’s third try from Ed Yeates, but Shelford kept in touch.

A penalty from Cox sealed victory to set up a last-four tie against Ivybridge or Beckenham on a date to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chinnor lost 21-7 at home to Crediton in the National Under 17 Bowl’s South West semi-finals.

OTHER SCORERS

OBB Colts League Div 1: Bicester 3 (pen G Upton), Maidenhead 20.

Oxfordshire Veterans Cup 1st round: Banbury 45, Bicester 15 (tries G Williams, S Hutchins, I Jolliff).