Andy Dawson hopes Chipping Norton can now relax and win the BB&O Premier Division title.

Chippy's director of rugby felt many of his players have tensed up in recent matches as the prospect of a 100 per cent season loomed.

But that now can't happen after their 10-9 home defeat to Bicester on Saturday.

Dawson said: "It's funny, but losing has lifted the pressure off them.

"A lot of the boys have been very nervous these past few weeks because of the unbeaten record.

"We've not been playing our best rugby as a result.

"It has always been at the back of their minds.

"Three or four of the lads were sick before the Bicester game because of the pressure.

"I think they decided that this was the most important game of the season."

Chippy have suffered long-term inuries to key players such as Jon Hickman and Simon Hawken in recent weeks, but they still top the table by four points with three matches to go.

Dawson added: "I think one win should be enough now because I can't see Bicester catching our points difference.

"I will carry on experimenting and rotating as I have done all season. It has worked so far."

The chairman's award, given posthumously to founder member Tony Cripps, led to a standing ovation.

Chippy president Ian Rumble collected the club of the year award.

He said afterwards: "Tony was our foundation stone and his legacy will be that he built the club with such pride, passion and belief and inspired so many more down the years that the club will continue to grow, serving the local community, in the face of all future challenges."

Dawson was nominated in the coach of the year category, which was won by Witney's director of coaching Gareth Lewis.

Lewis has taken Witney's under 17s to the last 16 of the national cup.

Junior result - OBB Colts League: Bicester 31 (tries J Briggs 2, J McAneany 2, J Jones; cons S Miller 3), Windsor 22.