Deepings were at Brackley and just managed to win 15-10 while the Lions had to withstand considerable second-half pressure before overcoming lowly Vauxhall Motors 32-23.

The results leave newly promoted Deepings third in Midlands East Division Four (South) and the Lions fourth and both are just two points off the top.

Deepings' try-scorers were Pete Bradley and Matthew Papworth, Michael Wainwright was named man-of-the-match, and Nick Dobie's conversion and penalty took him past 50 points for the season.

For the Lions, who badly missed star centre Jacques Vorster (unavailable), winger Dan Thompson raced in for a hat-trick of tries.



IT was a day to forget for Oundle in Midlands East Division Five (South).

They faced a physical and fitter Stockwood Park side in their first home league game of the season and were thumped 36-6.

And to make matters worse they lost centre Austin Schwarz with a broken jaw. Schwarz had only just returned to action following a two-year lay-off due to a shoulder operation.

One of the few plus points for Oundle was the form of second row Matt Matcham, who dominated the lineouts.



THORNEY suffered a very disappointing 38-7 loss at St Ives in Midlands East Division Six (South).

Thorney did well for half-an-hour but then the momentum of the game changed when Thorney lost full-back Louis Carrington with a nasty leg injury and centre Darren Barber to a yellow card.

Thorney also lost experienced players Gavin Hammond and Dave Owen to injuries early in the second half, and, completing a miserable day for the village club, they had Jamie Jenkins controversially sent off.

On the bright side youngsters Bradley Hurn and Jack Lewis were outstanding, Ash Blewett gets better with every game, Ricky Welsford made a welcome return and new signing Rich Davison made his presence felt with numerous big hits.

Barber scored Thorney's points with a fine individual effort for a try which he converted. He was also chosen as Thorney's man-of-the-match by the St Ives players.



DARREN Frisby stormed over for a hat-trick of tries as Westwood got their first win in Midlands East Division Six (South) by beating Aylestonians 62-3.

The man-of-the-match award was shared by Frisby and Andy Barringer for their awesome defence and strong running.



BOROUGH seconds beat Bedford Athletic seconds 10-0 thanks to a deserved try by hard-working Chayne Loades and aggressive defending by Tim Davison, James Harrison, Sam Crooks and James Hannam.



BOROUGH fourths (the X-Men) left their kit and a player (Stuart McKay) behind but still managed to win by a whopping 80-0 at Bedford Athletic thirds.

Stars of the show with four tries apiece were former Zimbabwean international Gus Mberi and Glen Rayner.



TOM Laxton crashed over twice as Oundle Colts beat Olney Colts 31-6. Other try-scorers were Max Sones, Callum Mitchell and Alex Samilla.