BICESTER brushed aside Trowbridge 53-20 in their Southern Counties play-off to secure promotion to the sixth tier for the first time.

The home side put in a ferociously competitive display, scoring seven tries to see off the South runners-up at Oxford Road.

Bicester, second in Southern Counties North, took the lead in the play-off when No 8 Francois Weise crossed.

Miles converted to make it 7-0.

Tevita Naleca then raced over, before a Miles penalty extended Bicester’s lead to 15 points after 18 minutes.

Trowbridge responded immediately when Max Day crossed from a line-out and Tom Weaver added the extras.

Bicester’s dominance continued, though, as the influential Dave Hampton scorched over. Miles converted, before kicking a penalty to make it 25-7.

The visitors hit back just before the break when Franklin Patterson charged over for an unconverted try.

Bicester’s lead was cut to ten points thanks to a Weaver penalty, but the home side’s greater physicality and finishing power came to the fore.

Lemeki Valevou sprinted over and Christian Mann dotted down. Miles converted both to make it 39-15.

Day went over again for Trowbridge, but Bicester went on to add a further 14 points.

Matt Dye charged across and, late on, Naleca ran in from 70m. Miles converted both, taking his personal tally for the season to 300 points.

It turned out to be a comprehensive victory for Bicester, sparking jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.