WYCOMBE Rhinos returned to action after the Christmas break with a 3-0 win over bottom-club Newbury.

Rhinos, playing in the 1st XI MBBO Regional League, ended up as comfortable winners against a side who had belied their low standing in their previous games by beating high-flying Banbury.

But Rhinos were far from complacent and took the lead on eight minutes, when Tim Prior scored after Andy Burroughs had a shot blocked and then Chris Goodchild hit the post.

The lead was then extended from a penalty corner when a well-drilled move freed Neil Thomson to deflect the ball home at the far post.

Shortly afterwards Goodchild again hit the post with a good effort and it looked as if it would be a question of how many goals they could score in the second half.

But it was not until 10 minutes from the end that they extended their lead when a good move from the back involving Aumran Mohammed and Thomson gave Goodchild the chance to finally miss the post and score.

This win moves the Rhinos to third place, but facing a tricky trip to Banbury next Saturday.

In Division One, Amersham & Chalfont lost 3-2 at home to Lions, while Gerrards Cross enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Aylesbury to stay in second spot.

This weekend sees A&C away to Tring, while Gerrads Cross are away to Mill Hill.

Marlow are at home to Birkbeck in a Division Two fixture after coming from behind to beat Ramgarhia Slough 3-1 away last weekend.

Ramgarhia took the lead on 25 minutes against the run of play but Marlow hit straight back, with Richard Clee rounding off a sweeping move.

Rob Barnes then blasted them into the lead in the second half and Ian Cuthbert secure the points with a deft conversion ten minutes from time.

January 22, 2003 10:30