SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH

ALCHESTER’S relegation fears increased after they were edged out 22-20 at Drifters.

Although the Fritwell-based club competed well, they are now five points adrift of safety, having won just three of their 13 matches.

Full back Alex Rankin ran in Drifters’ opening try, but his knock-on led to wing Robin Tyreman scoring for Alchester, with fly half Tom Miles converting.

Two Matt Brown penalties made it 11-7 before Alchester scored a pushover try, with No 8 Joe McEneaney going over and Miles converting.

Brown’s third penalty made it 14-14 at the break.

The same player added a drop goal, with Miles replying via a penalty.

Alchester had prop Dave Pike sin-binned before fellow front-rower Carl Corcoran went over for Drifters.

Miles slotted a second penalty, but Drifters held on.

Wallingford secured a four-try bonus point in their 39-29 defeat at Royal Wootton Bassett.

They have also won just three matches, but are seven points better off than Alchester.

Jermaine Webster went over twice, the first a pushover try and the second after Ralph Smith’s break.

Antony Marris and 7ft 1in, 27st lock Ed Salmon also scored for Wallingford.

Phil Dawes slotted three conversions and a penalty, but it was not enough.