CROWTHORNE RFC kept their hopes of a top-four finish in the BB&O Premier alive by grinding out a 13-10 victory at home to Chipping Norton.

Fifth-placed Crows had been edged out 10-5 at Chesham in their previous game, but returned to winning ways with a hard-fought success against the side one below them in the table.

Coach Alex Stewart has set his side the target of snatching a top-four spot this season, and their chances were given a boost after Abingdon were thrashed 60-8 at title-chasing Milton Keynes.

That result allowed Crows to move to within three points of the Oxfordshire side, with both teams having four games left to play.

Crowthorne do not have a game this weekend, but will be confident of victory when they travel to basement side Wheatley on Saturday, March 19.

They then face a tough trip to table-toppers Gosford All Blacks, host relegation-threatened Hungerford and conclude their campaign at second-placed Milton Keynes.

Abingdon have an easier run-in on paper with games against struggling Risborough, Slough and Wheatley, along with a match against Tadley.

CROWTHORNE Ladies were beaten 20-8 by Reading Ladies on Sunday.

They host Guildford Gazelles at The New Nest this coming Sunday (3pm).