BICESTER were unable to end their Southern Counties North campaign with a victory after losing 28-10 at Thatcham.

Despite the defeat, the north Oxfordshire side finished fourth in the table, a point ahead of local rivals Wallingford.

On Saturday, Liam Rowland went over and Callum Stewart converted his own try to give Thatcham a 12-0 lead.

Stewart’s penalty further stretched the hosts’s lead.

But a Tom Miles penalty ensured Bicester got themselves on the scoreboard just before half-time.

The second period started with Stewart slotting another penalty.

However, Bicester were next to score when Francois Wiese stretched across under the posts.

Miles converted to make it 18-10.

Dave Aslett went close to breaching the line for the visitors, while Miles missed a long-range penalty.

But Thatcham extended their lead to 11 points when Stewart kicked a penalty.

The visitors then had Ryan Gallacher yellow-carded and James Thoroughgood powered over for the hosts.

Stewart converted but despite defeat, Bicester finished fourth in the table.

Alchester were heavily beaten 88-7 by Tadley in the BB&O Premier.

The hosts had broken the 50-point mark before half-time.

Jack Briggs scored Alchester’s only try, with Adam White adding the extras.

They finished seventh in the table as a result, staying in the league after suffering relegation last year.