GROVE earned a crucial 14-13 victory over basement boys Bicester to climb four points above the South West 1 East relegation zone.

Benny Davies crossed twice in the first half, Dave Maryon converting both, as the visitors led 14-3 at the break.

Dan Spencer had kicked a penalty for the hosts after the opening try.

Grove’s Guy Nicholl was sin-binned and Bicester took advantage with Spencer and Charlie Bethell going over.

But neither try was crucially converted as the visitors dug deep for victory.

Banbury beat Marlow 51-7 at home.

Jack Briggs, Ian Isham, Tommy Gray and Jacob Mills went over to make it 29-0.

Marlow scored a converted try after the break, but Banbury’s dominance continued.

George Grieve (2), Pete Boulton and Sam Stoop crossed.

Ed Phillips kicked four conversions and a penalty.

Oxford Mail:

  • Winger George Grieve crosses in the corner for his first try during Banbury's win over Marlow Picture: Simon Grieve

Witney earned a 12-7 home win over third-placed Chippenham.

Phil Thomas kicked a drop-goal and three penalties to make it 12-0 after 56 minutes.

The visitors scored a converted try and piled on the pressure, but Witney held on for a deserved victory.

Oxford Mail:

  • Deaglan Bayliss is caked in mud as he charges forward for Witney during their impressive win over Chippenham Picture: Robert Fisk

Fourteen-man Oxford Harlequins moved up to fourth with a 29-12 win at Swindon.

The hosts scored an early try, but Ed Yeats went over, Jack Wiggins adding the extras, for the vistiors.

Quins’ Fotu Latu was red-carded on 19 minutes.

However, James Stacey dived over, Wiggins converting, to make it 14-5, only for Marlow to hit back just before half-time.

Yeats and Huw Dimond crossed for Quins, before Wiggins, who converted the first, kicked a late penalty.