Forward power proved the difference as Grove beat Banbury 27-9 in the first round of the Oxfordshire Cup.

The South West 1 East side’s pack were on top throughout and laid the platform for a comfortable victory.

Banbury, who play one level lower, squandered two opportunities to take the lead, with Eddie Phillips off target with penalty attempts.

They were made to pay when Grove scored a try through scrum half Joe Chilvers after good work by the forwards.

The lead was soon extended when Rory Gratwohl forced his way over from close range following a line-out.

Phillips did get Banbury on the board with a penalty, but Grove went further clear with a second try from Chilvers, converted by Jona Cali.

When Guy Nicholl picked up a loose ball deep in his own half, the Grove winger kicked clear and a kind bounce allowed him in for try No 4 to make it 22-3 at the break.

Two Phillips penalties early in the second half gave Banbury hope.

But a try from winger Brendon White sealed their fate, and a disappointing afternoon got worse when James Burge picked up a yellow card.

Oxford Harlequins were made to battle for their 28-15 victory at Oxford University Greyhounds.

Winger Tom Tierney opened the scoring, Will Sharratt adding the conversion.

Three minutes later, Quins increased their lead when Rupert Cowan scored a brilliant individual try.

John Glancy’s try and Ben Strang’s conversion reduced the arrears, but Kristian Borthwick kicked a penalty for Quins to make it 15-7.

Strang added a penalty from the last play of the half, and Greyhounds were level soon after the restart when Guy Vaughan’s try made it 15-15.

Two Borthwick penalties put Quins back in front, and with the final move of the match, Tierney scored a fine try and Borthwick converted.

The draw for the next round takes place later this week.