Oxford fielded 35 players in their 3rd warm up game against Reading Abbey with an April defeat in the Papa John’s cup by the visitors fresh in their minds. They were determined to reverse the score and continue with their positive build up towards their opening league games at home on September 7th. That day the 1st XV play against Tring and the Nomads Risborough in the first home double header of the season.

Both teams began brightly as they moved the ball through a multitude of forwards and backs combinations, probing for a gap. In these early stages the defence organisation was solid and the tackling was low and fair. For the fans who had braved the first stages of storm Lilian it looked like they were in for a good evenings entertainment, which was the case.

It was Oxford who broke the deadlock as they ran a very kickable penalty and following 6 phases Dom Matthews sneaked through a gap as he cut in from the left wing. Jake Eadle converted to give the home team a much deserved 7 – 0 lead. Oxford were very much on top with and without the ball.

Oxford took a quick tap penalty on the half way line and probed the Reading Abbey defence but it came to nothing. So it was a total surprise when they just switched off at an opposition penalty, with several players walking with their backs to the opposition. Reading Abbey took full advantage but missed the conversion to pull the score back to 7 – 5. 

Having fallen for the sucker punch once it was even more surprising they would fall for it again late into the 3rd quarter which allowed Reading Abbey to close the gap to one score at 24 – 17. 

Oxford made amends in the 4th quarter when Tom Lockhart gathered a loose ball in his own 22 and crashed into the defence set on half way. The home team were lifted as swift hands put Eadle in space but was held up close to the line. Unlike previous seasons Oxford didn’t panic and Sullivan Webb crashed over from 5 metres. This new found patience was a feature of the game and  allowed Matthews to nip in for his second score deep into the 1st quarter, following thrusting runs from Mark McCarthy

Oxford play their final warm up game at Oxford Harlequins on Saturday August 31st where they hope to add greater precision with the ball and keep their concentration without it.