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

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.

The Green and Blacks took another step forward in their preparations for a successful season at North HInksey Park with a pre-season encounter against Wallingford. All 35 players took to the field for at least 40 minutes in a contest played over 4 x 20 minute quarters. The rowdy crowd flanking the Stadium pitch were treated to a feast of running rugby which was made difficult by the constant drizzle.

Oxford showed their intent from the start as Tom Lockhart gathered the kick and charged up field. There followed a series of phases which took the ball over half way before it was lost in contact. This was the theme for the first 15 minutes when Oxford dominated territory and possession and could have had 3 scores.

The breakthrough came from the rampaging lock Tom Bates who touched down between the sticks followed by a conversion from wing Jake Eadle. The pleasing aspect was the manner of the try which followed a series of short passes made just before contact. Oxford were up in support not more so than fly half George Hanley who was involved three times. The final deft pass by captain Ben Reed split the Wallingford defence and allowed Bates to run in from 20 metres.

There were no further scores in the first quarter as wholesale changes were made to the Oxford team for the 2nd and 3rd ones. Several players were having their first run out of the season and their bodies were probably in shock when from the kick off Wallingford crashed through the centre to score a strong individual try. The score moved from 7 – 7 to 7 – 29 as Wallingford were just too strong.

To their credit the Oxford coaching staff stuck to their principles and kept everyone on the field where they will reap the rewards for the rest of the season. The camaraderie between the players was evident. They tackled fiercely and throughout but were out muscled.

For the final quarter Oxford played what they considered their full strength and again dominated the play.They were rewarded for their persistence when Reed crashed over from 5 metres with a training ground penalty move. Eadle converted to make the final tally 29 – 14 to Wallingford and to take Oxford 1st’s and Nomads to a new level.