NICK Etherington scored four tries as Oxford University Whippets beat Faringdon 60-5 to book their place in the first round of the Oxfordshire Shield.

Josh Southworth (2), George Mason (2), Charlie Allen, and Malachi Rayner-Philipson also crossed in a match played on the artificial pitch at Horspath.

David Wilkinson kicked four conversions, with Luke Butcher also accurate from the tee.

Wheatley battled past Alchester to earn a 14-12 victory.

Two tries from Jack Taylor proved enough for the BB&O Premier side and last season’s runners-up to advance from the preliminary stage.

Wheatley started well against the invitational side, who included Banbury full back Tommy Gray, and found themselves 14-0 up after 20 minutes, thanks to Taylor’s scores, Aaron Laman adding the extras.

Gray converted his own try to reduce the deficit for Alchester.

And they crossed again late on, but Gray’s conversion attempt fell short.

Abingdon progressed with a 20-14 win over Didcot.

But Oxford Brookes University 2nd were handed a walkover when Blue Boar called off the tie due to not having enough players to fulfil the fixture.

In the Oxfordshire Cup, Chinnor 2nd beat Oxford University Greyhounds 35-24 at Kingsey Road.

Scott Fernquest , Julian Manieson, Bernie MacKenzie and Euan Friend crossed for the students, with Louis Jackson converting twice.