Southern Counties North

ALCHESTER edged out Wallingford 18-17 in a match that saw three yellow cards and one red.

Wallingford replacement Paul Lewis was sent off in the second half for what his side felt was an innocuous challenge, but they almost won it.

Alchester fly half Adam Thompson’s ill-judged kick was charged down by his opposite number, Ralph Smith, who sprinted in from halfway and converted his own try.

The hosts levelled when No 8 Lou Byrne crashed over from close range, centre Tom Miles converting.

Miles kicked a penalty before half-time then finished off a try.

Smith replied with a penalty before a series of refereeing decisions left both sides scratching their heads.

Wallingford flanker Matt Ebbs was sin-binned for being off side at a line-out, then the visitors, having used all their replacements, lost wing Glen Dearlove to a rib injury after a challenge from Byrne.

Prop Antony Marris joined Ebbs in the bin after some over zealous rucking, while Miles’s second penalty made it 18-10.

Alchester centre Jack Briggs was yellow-carded for use of the elbow.

Wallingford had a try dissallowed and Lewis red-carded before being awarded a try, converted by Smith, when wing Miguel Basson grounded the ball two yards short!

Grove slipped from second to fourth after losing 18-15 at home to Wootton Bassett.

Bassett led 10-0 after a penalty and a converted try.

Grove fly half Dave Maryon, who kicked all their points, replied with a penalty, but his side had prop Tim Lane sin-binned for handling in a ruck.

Although great pressure allowed Maryon to slot a second penalty, Bassett scored another try.

After the break, three more Maryon penalties saw Grove claw level, but a last-minute three-pointer won it.