BANBURY are within a point of securing the Midlands 2 West (South) title after a high-scoring 43-34 win at Nuneaton Old Edwardians.

The hosts took a 10-0 lead, but Bulls responded and George Grieve scored his first senior try, which went unconverted.

However, Nuneaton’s big runners were causing problems and a second try extended their lead to 17-5.

Banbury ended the half well, taking a 19-17 lead into the break as Joe Mills and Jacob Mills crossed.

Sam Stoop converted both.

Joe Mills went over again at the start of the second half and Stoop added the extras, before Chris Phillips and Josh Deegan went over.

Stoop converted the latter to make it 38-17.

Nuneaton were not finished and three tries later they hauled themselves to within four points of Banbury.

However, Bulls made it safe in the last play when Grieve crossed for his second.

In Southern Counties North, Bicester were beaten 39-17 by already-promoted Reading Abbey.

Will Woodward crossed in the corner for Abbey's first try on five minutes and it was soon 12-0 when Gavin Dampese crossed.

Tom Waterhouse added the extras.

Bicester got up and running through Tom Miles' penalty, but they trailed 22-3 at half-time when Steven Drake stretched over the try line.

Waterhouse converted, before kicking a penalty.

Tim Brain plunged across for Abbey after the break, but Bicester bounced back as George Upton sprinted over and Miles converted.

But Abbey extended their lead to 39-10 when Dylan Baptista and Drake went over.

Waterhouse converted the second score.

Bicester pushed for a late try and Mike Harris dived over, with Miles adding the extras.

Wallingford beat Swindon College Old Boys 52-20.