DICKIE Walsh scored the winning try as Bicester edged Royal Wootton Bassett 25-20 in a dramatic finale to their Southern Counties North campaign.

Bicester’s gutsy performance saw them earn fifth place in the table.

Despite finishing level on points with Stow-onthe-Wold, Bicester missed out on fourth because of the Gloucestershire side’s superior number of wins.

Winger Dave Aslett hurtled across as Bicester opened up an early 5-0 lead, before Peter Tarrega touched down under the posts.

Tom Miles converted for 12-0.

The visitors responded through No 8 Joe Petit, with David Hogg adding the extras.

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And Wootton Basset found themselves ahead when Hamish ForbesKeith dived over in the corner.

Hogg converted to make it 14-12.

However, the hosts bounced straight back, with No 8 Dan Spencer cutting inside and storming over the try line.

Miles missed the attempted conversion.

The topsy-turvy nature of the game continued after the break as two penalties from Hogg, sandwiched between a three-pointer from Miles, saw the sides locked at 20-20.

Both teams pushed for a further score but it was Bicester who came out on top.

Miles’ long direct pass found replacement winger Walsh, who careered over the line for an unconverted score.

Relegated Alchester finished their campaign on a high as they were also narrow winners with a 28-24 victory at home to Thatcham.

Meanwhile, Wallingford picked up a four-try bonus-point in a 36-22 defeat to Aylesbury.

They finished tenth in the table with 41 points and eight victories.