The champagne corks were popping as Oxford produced a sparkling away performance in the first half to blow away local rivals Oxford Harlequins in this final pre- season warm up game. At half time Oxford were leading 24 – 7 having played a half of controlled running
rugby of the highest order. Tries from distance and close range showed just how versatile their attack can be.

Following a late surge by the hosts Oxford showed a determination to win this derby game. Quins had pulled the score back to 26 – 17 having missed a couple of vital conversions. They were on top and dominating play but Oxford were not going to let this one slip and changed their attitude to one of ‘winning the game’. With minutes to go Leon Jones came up with the try from close range which was converted by Dom Mathews to round off a highly entertaining afternoon.

Next Saturday home games against Tring and Risborough should be thrillers and will set the
tone for the season in what will be severe competition for 1st XV places. No player can afford to be lax about training or their availability. Nomads Captain Josh Jelfs was on the scoresheet. He burrowed in from 3 metres but like two other tries from Mark MacCarthy and Sidie Turay they all began with set piece wins in the Oxford half. All featured the superb support play, the offload game between forwards and backs, accurate passing from the base between half backs Matt Lay and George Hanley and clinical finishing.

Jake Eadle landed the conversions including his own try which was the result of a quick tap penalty which has become a feature of Oxford’s play this year. Their fast, fearless and physical approach especially by No 8 Tom Lockhart has paid dividends in pre-season. Let us
hope the officials allow it to continue in league matches next Saturday.

Pen O’Quill