COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD

OXFORDSHIRE head coach Craig Burrows was delighted with his players’ efforts in their 37-19 victory over Berkshire at Newbury RFC.

The bonus-point win in their opening match put Oxon top of Pool 3 and means they need just a point against Dorset & Wilts on Saturday to progress to the semi-finals.

Berkshire, who had the wind behind them, led 19-10 at half-time, but the visitors came on strong with 27 unanswered points.

All four of Oxfordshire’s tries came from Grove players, with wing Guy Nicholl grabbing two.

Replacement scrum half Joe Chilvers and centre Tom Clipsham completed the tally.

Fly half Matt Clarke (Witney) kicked four conversions and a penalty, while scrum half Ed Phillips (Banbury) added a further penalty.

Blindside flanker Cash Chilvers (Grove) was named man-of-the-match after leading the defensive effort.

“The plan was to be very aggressive around the breakdown,” said Burrows.

“We defended superbly and they had no plan B.

“In the second half we played with a lot more width and brought our backs into the game more.

“It was a great performance.”