Marlow crashed out of the Southern Counties Cup Semi Final at the hands of North Dorset as they lost 24-9 on Saturday.

Their slow start allowed Dorset to take control of the opening 20 minutes and secure a 6-0 lead through a pair of Sam Baker penalties.

Marlow hit back with a penalty but some strong attacking play from Dorset allowed Lewis Munster to make it 13-3 with the first try of the game.

A further three points drew the hosts back within seven points of Dorset but they were ultimately powerless the resist their opponents.

Baker remorselessly kicked Dorset further ahead and an Adam Geal try ensured they would advance to the final in February where they play Reading Abbey.

Marlow’s focus will return to league action when they take on Wallingford in the Southern Counties North Saturday.

High Wycombe did little to alleviate fears of their current relegation battle lasting long into the new year as they lost 23-6 against Newbury Blues.

Wycombe are two points above the South West One East drop zone and struggled to deal with a Blues side that currently occupy fourth in the table.

With Wycombe having the league’s third most porous defence the home side were hardly pushed as they eased to their third victory in five games.

Wycombe will be eager to return to the form that saw them go unbeaten for three games in a row at the start of December when they take on Swindon Saturday.

Amersham & Chiltern’s pursuit of the London One North title will resume Saturday when they return to action against Luton.

Chiltern went into the winter break on top of the league and will be confident of picking up their fourth straight win against Luton.

Luton are rock bottom of the table having lost 13 of their 14 games this season, and Chiltern will be looking to protect their three point lead at the summit with a bonus point win.

Beaconsfield have also been on an extended hiatus having not played since Saturday, 19 December.

Their return could not be more challenging as they entertain Southern Counties North League leaders Aylesbury.

A run of four wins in five games before Christmas had seen Beaconsfield rise to fourth in the table and a win would see them draw level on points with Aylesbury.