SOUTHERN COUNTIES NORTH

WALLINGFORD guaranteed their survival with a lacklustre 26-17 home victory over bottom side Swindon College Old Boys.

Needing two points to be sure of avoiding relegation, Wallingford managed a bonus-point win and a first home success since November, but were left frustrated by a poor display.

Centre Ralph Smith scored Wallingford’s opening try, converted by fly half Will Bishop.

Blindside flanker Olli Henderson went over for try No 2 inside ten minutes.

Wallingford’s purple patch continued, with Bishop selflessly setting up openside James Norris to score under the posts.

Bishop converted this and a second try from Smith on 25 minutes, who capitalised on his own chargedown.

The visitors replied with converted tries in each half and a penalty, but Wallingford had done enough.

Alchester lost 14-3 at home to third-placed Thatcham.

The hosts’ only points came via Tom Miles penalty.