OXFORD were denied a place in the national semi-finals of the Junior Vase by virtue of tries scored after a 13-13 draw with South Molton at North Hinksey Sports Park.

Crossing the whitewash twice proved enough for the Devon side in the South West Division final.

Nerves played their part as Oxford conceded two tries in the first half to trail 10-7 at the break.

Ali Gibb crossed for the home side, with Thom Murtons converting.

Both sides traded penalties as the visitors led 13-10, before Murton’s kicked another to bring the sides level.

The hosts pressed for a second try late on, but they were not able to execute a last-gasp line-out.

Meanwhile, their fellow BB&O Championship title contenders were in league action.

Oxford, who have a game in hand, still have a shot at the crown after leaders Risborough drew 13-13 at Aldermaston.

Faringdon claimed the derby spoils when beating Harwell 36-31.

James Hoskyns-Jones (2), Andy Strickland, Ollie Wright and Dave Paton crossed for Harwell, with Andy Lee converting three of the tries.

In the Premier, basement boys Abingdon beat Milton Keynes 20-14, but Didcot lost 29-0 at Bletchley.

Wallingford pushed leaders Beaconsfield all the way, but fell to a 29-23 defeat in Southern Counties North.

Tom Shaw, Ian Jeffreys and Chris Jenkins crossed, with Phil Dawes kicking two penalties and a conversion.

Relegation-threatened Gosford All Blacks fell to a 31-20 defeat at second-placed Buckingham.