Grove kept up the pressure on the top two with a 34-14 victory at Windsor in Southern Counties North.

They took an early lead when fly half Roger Sevier’s long-range penalty rebounded off the crossbar and a quick turnover allowed flanker Jamie Fredericks to run through and score.

Flanker Jonny Hayhurst’s try levelled it, but Grove full back Nick Sevier finished a superb move, Roger Sevier converting.

Roger Sevier and James Driscoll traded penalties before the break, then two more three-pointers from the latter gave the hosts hope.

Centre Jamie Burns’s try made it 20-14 before Grove prop Gary Eltham was sent off following a scuffle the visitors said the referee had not seen.

This inspired Grove, with Ben Nicholl setting up Roger Sevier to convert his own try.

Flanker Guy Nicholl scored from the final play, Roger Sevier converting.

Chipping Norton were plunged into relegation trouble after handing Amersham & Chiltern a walkover.

The decision is likely to see Chippy deducted two points.

Bicester’s scrum struggled throughout as they lost 22-5 at home to Newbury Stags.

Prop Will Morris drove over for Bicester’s only try, while captain Dan Spencer, No 8 Adrian Teckoe and full back Dickie Walsh impressed.

Ben Louisson (3) and Sam Czerpak scored Newbury’s tries, David Jones converting.

Bicester held a minute’s silence beforehand in memory of former president Roger Smith, who died on January 16.

His funeral takes place at 2pm tomorrow at St Edberg’s Church, Bicester, followed by a burial at the town’s cemetery.