The University managed to turn over the Oxford Cavaliers in a closely fought contest at Oxford RFC.

The annual Town versus Gown game went ahead on a cold day at the North Hinksey ground. Both teams had a great deal to play for, the Cavaliers looked to win the trophy back after last years defeat and the University looked to level the score to two all.

Both teams got off to a great start with some excellent defence on show. Due to the impressive defensive displays there was no score until the 28th minute when Cavaliers stand off Darrel Rendall intercepted a stray pass deep into his own half. Rendall raced all of 70 yards just to be brought down before the try line. Some excellent support play saw Mario Da Silva pick and go from the play the ball but the University managed to hold him up. A quick play the ball and a great run from captain Andy O'Rourke enabled hooker John Connaughton to sneak over under the posts giving Cavaliers the first score. O'Rourke converted giving the Cavaliers a 6-0 lead.

The University still stayed strong and managed to hit back with a try of their own just before the break. The conversion was missed giving the Cavaliers a half time lead of 6-4. At the start of the second half both teams came out strong in defence yet again. Some big hits were going in from John Conway, Ben Louisson, Tom O'Reilly and Chris Skelton. The university still stuck at it and managed to score a try which was then converted, giving them a lead of 10-6.

The game looked to be going down to the wire as both teams struggled to keep the ball under the immense pressure from the defence. On 65 minutes the Cavaliers managed to gain some good field position thanks to some strong running from Calum Murray-Threipland and Adam Parry. The ball came out of a tackle and found its way to academy player Josh Bramley who went in just under the posts for his first senior try. O'Rourke converted giving the Cavaliers a 12-10 lead with 15 minutes to go.

Credit has to go to the University for their spirit to keep fighting back. They had runners throughout the whole game who just kept coming and coming and slowly tiring out the Cavaliers defence. Due to the higher fitness levels the University managed to finish strong in the last 8 minutes running in three late tries which crushed the Cavaliers. The final score was 12-22 to the University and the University were presented the Jacqueline Scott memorial trophy in front of an impressed crowd. The event showed that rugby league in Oxford is a sport that is not to be missed.