DORSET & Wilts failed to book a place in the County Championship semi-finals at Twickenham as they slipped to a 34-15 defeat against Oxfordshire.

The combined counties certainly gave their all in their group game at Swanage & Wareham's Bestwall Park ground, but it was Oxon who sealed a place in Saturday's county championship finale.

The Oxfordshire side showed real pace and skill throughout the encounter, but Dorset & Wilts did boast the man of the match, however, in openside and Dorchester skipper Richard Elliott, who tackled relentlessly all afternoon.

Oxford Harlequins wing Martin Nutt gave the visitors the lead with a fourth-minute penalty and in the 22nd minute full-back Jon Goodridge touched down in the corner to extend the lead.

Swanage skipper Phil Graves replied with a penalty but Oxon took a 15-3 lead at the break when Chinnor prop Simon Matthews went over, for Nutt to convert.

A try by Wimborne prop Russell Tinsdale early in the second half gave Dorset & Wilts some hope, but Andy Cope grabbed two tries for Oxon to put them out of sight.

Salisbury centre Tom Buckingham scored another consolation try, Graves converting, but a Goodridge try set the seal on Oxon's victory.