OXFORDSHIRE were left to rue lapses in concentration after suffering a 41-31 defeat to Essex in their County Championships Shield finale at Eton Manor.

Witney’s George Lewis scored 11 points – one try and three conversions – as Oxon claimed a four-try bonus point, but the defeat saw them finish bottom of Pool 1.

Having already lost to Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire, Oxon travelled to Essex with nothing to play for, but once again missed tackles proved to be their downfall.

The visitors conceded three converted tries in the first half to trail 21-7 at the break.

And despite adding 24 points in the second period and securing a four-try bonus-point, Oxon were undone defensively and ultimately lost out by ten points.

Brendan White crossed twice for the visitors, while Lewis, Jack Robinson and Ed Yeats also went over. Lewis added three conversions.

Head coach Craig Burrows said: “Usually you think if you score that many points you come out with a win, but basic errors in defence has been the issue.

“It is not the organisation, but for some reason a lack of concentration has been costly.”

Burrows added: “Players are good enough to realise that at this level you are playing against some very good players and the moment you switch off they exploit it.”