MELKSHAM bowed out of the Southern Counties Senior Vase as a second-half try proved enough for Alchester.

The home side led 12-7 at half time, both sides trying to play running rugby despite the conditions.

Melksham made a great start only three minutes into the game.

With Alchester yet to touch the ball, the Melksham back row switched it to the blind side to give wing Mark Bowsher a run in to the corner for a well-worked try.

Alchester were quick to reply when centre Jack Briggs intercepted a pass on the Melksham 22 to sprint the length of the field and score under the posts.

A successful conversion put the visitors 7- 5 up, but Melksham continued to dominate, especially in the set piece.

They were rewarded just before half time when centre Dave Dyke ran a great line to steam in from halfway and scramble over under the posts for a converted score.

The second half was difficult for both sides, with heavy rain making it hard to hold the ball.

The one fluid move of the half saw the Alchester full-back Adam White take a smart inside pass on the halfway line to sprint to the line and, despite a last-ditch tackle ,regain his feet and wriggle over for a try under the posts.

The conversion was made to give the Oxford side a place in the semi finals.

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