SLOUGH have made a losing start to the New Year following a 34-17 defeat at the hands of rivals Crowthorne on Saturday.

The Greenies trailed 24-7 at the half-time interval with debutant Jack Newton scoring a try that fellow newcomer Johnny O’Hehir converted.

There was further disappointment for the home team in the second-half.

Robbie Morrison and Cheyne Hewison both touched down but the tries were unconverted, and the visitors scored twice more for victory.

Defeat sees Slough in ninth place in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier table with a tough trip to leaders Gosford All Blacks up next this Saturday (2.15pm).

Maidenhead lost ground in the race for promotion from South West One East after a 27-7 defeat at Salisbury.

Now fifth in the table, Maidenhead host Leighton Buzzard at Braywick Park this Saturday.

The unpredictable campaign at Windsor continued following a 21-14 defeat at the hands of county rivals Reading.

Windsor are now ninth in the table though they are four points behind Maidenhead, with a visit from High Wycombe on Saturday (2.15pm).

Drifters suffered a seventh straight loss in Southern Counties North after a 37-7 defeat away at Stow-on-the-Wold.

Now just four points ahead of the relegation places, Drifters face a must-win clash at home with second-bottom Thatcham on Saturday (2.15pm).

In the BB&O Championship, Phoenix remain top after a 28-7 win over rival club Farnham Royal at Institute Road.

Farnham Royal host Didcot this Saturday whilst Phoenix go to Harwell.