Oxford Cavaliers came out on top against local rivals Swindon in a very physical and aggressive match due to braces of tries from the two De Silva boys Johnny and Mario and a debut hattrick from loose forward Ben Bodinham. Jack Briggs and Chris Taylor also made it onto the scoresheet in what was an error strewn encounter for both sides.

Oxford started strongly in defence in the centre of the pitch through captain Andy Rourke and hooker Stewart Hannah but as Swindon used the ball later in their third set, a missed tackle further out sent Swindon in under the posts early on. The Cavs pulled together well after this set back scoring two unanswered tries through Bodinham and Mario De Silva, Mario's was out wide with Oxford going through the hands of two half backs Toby and Ben and centre Johnny De Silva, Bodinhams came from a simple drive for the line from a pass from the base of the ruck from the hooker.

From taking the lead Oxford relinquished it fairly quickly letting Swindon run in 3 tries from handling and defensive mistakes and a further one on the brink of halftime with only a further Bodinham try in between to celebtate, so went into the second half with a 18 point deficit to work on with the score at 12-28

The second half started with the ball being played one out from half backs Ben, Darrell Rendell and interchange Toby with hard yards being made from the forwards Tyson Blackstock, Barry Llewelyn and Jack Briggs which gave a platform for winger Chris Taylor to sneak over the white wash and give the cavs a much needed first score going out after halftime.

Swindon managed to get one back breaking through the line but Oxfords performance was beginning to improve and the handling and defensive problems started to dry up. Johnny De Silva managed to force his way over from mid field on two occasions after returning from interchange in what was a very hot and fatiguing conditions and Bodinham finished off his hattrick on debut by forcing his way through the markers to allow Oxford to see the lead was acheivable.

Oxford drew level with ten minutes from time due to Jack Briggs' solo effort what was the pick of the pack, going in from forty hards out and beating 3 defenders then the fullback, by this time Oxford looked in control and as there game improved Swindons began to fall apart, due to the Cavaliers fitness carrying them through. As Swindon became frustrated dirty tactics began to creep in with a nasty eye gouge not acted on by the referree on second row Chris Skelton and a high shot round the neck on winger Taylor. Oxford played above this and sealed the win with another De Silva try just minutes from time and saw out the remainder of the game in Swindons half giving them their first conference win of the season, Gloucester away is their next fixture on the 4th of June where hopefully they can kick on from this win.