OXFORD hung on to beat Faringdon 19-14 in their Berks, Bucks & Oxon Championship game at the Southern Bypass Ground.

Leading 19-0 following a hat-trick of tries by returning wing Ali Gibb, the home side conceded a brace of tries in the final quarter to make it a tense finish.

Faringdon dominated early on without scoring, before Gibb broke the deadlock with a solo try, converted by fly half Myles Everett.

Centre Phil Gleason set up Gibb’s second try, before the winger completed his treble following a superb handling move. Everett converted the latter to make it 19-0 at the break.

Faringdon responded with an interception try before being awarded a penalty try which brought them to within five points. But that was as close as it got.

Wheatley came from behind to win 24-10 at home to Chipping Norton in a match that was concluded early due to the bad light.

Aaron Laman kicked an early penalty to put the hosts ahead, but Chippy responded with a super try, following interplay between forwards and backs.

Wheatley’s pack regained control and lock Nick Banton picked up his second try in successive weeks. Laman missed the conversion but landed a penalty.

Centre Jack Taylor then jinked his way over for a try under the posts, which Laman converted for an 18-5 interval lead.

Two more Laman penalties put Wheatley out of reach, although Chippy responded with a blindside try before the referee called a halt.