Cup round-up

GROVE reached the Southern Counties Intermediate Cup final after a 26-14 victory over Aylesbury at Cane Lane.

With the wind behind them, Aylesbury took a second-minute lead with a try in the corner from Liam D’Almeida, converted by Gary Horne.

But Grove replied with a try from Nick Sevier after good work from Owen Gustafson, Dave Maryon and Guy Nicholl.

Nicholl bagged try No 2 from a solo run, with Maryon converting, but Lenny Empson went over for Aylesbury and Horne converted for 14-12.

Grove had to defend well after the break, but regained the lead when Gustafson pounced on a charge-down from debutant Jack Ponting.

Roger Sevier converted this and the fourth try, which he scored himself after collecting a spilt ball and running in from 40 metres.

Grove will host Windsor in the final on Saturday where the victors will be two wins from playing at Twickenham.

Tom Hall scored 16 points as Chipping Norton won 26-17 at Thatcham in round one of the Southern Counties Senior Vase.

Hall scored a try and kicked a conversion plus three penalties, while Neil Penny and Tom Goffe also crossed over after some strong scrummaging from Ian McAteer and Steve Holland.

Chippy will now host Drifters in Saturday’s Southern Counties final.

Harwell battled back from 6-0 down to defeat Farnham Royal 15-6 in round one of the Southern Counties Junior Vase.

Two penalties put Farnham Royal ahead, but Dave Paton’s try reduced the arrears before half-time.

Joe Pigott and Gav Wilde touched down in the second half to set up a final away to Berkshire Shire Hall.