The fifth annual town versus gown rugby league game took place on Sunday, with Oxford University beating Oxford Cavaliers 52-32 in North Hinksey.
The sides were locked at two wins apiece heading into the game, with the Cavaliers out to prevent a hat trick of wins in front of a crowd of more than 100. Ex-South Africa international Jamie Bloem got the game underway after a minute's silence, and the Cavaliers intent was clear to see with some early drives from Chris Skelton, Paul Parlett and Brookes' player Dave Nolan that led to a try from captain John Connaughton, which was converted by Shane Turner.
The Cavaliers lead didn’t last too long, however, as the university hit back with three unanswered tries to lead 16-6 after 30 minutes. Cavaliers scored the try of the game through Johnno Da Silva who touched down under the posts after a neat chip from Turner, who added the extras to level the scores.
But the university's fourth try of the afternoon on the stroke of half time sent them in 22-16 up at the break. Three more unanswered scores after the restart took the wind of the Cavaliers' sails, who trailed 38-16 with 20 minutes left.
Tries for John Connaughton and Mario Da Silva gave the home side some hope going into the last 10 minutes, with only a last ditch tackle from uuniversity skipper Ben Calverley preventing Connaughton grabbing a hat trick. Stuart Hannah dummied his was over to reduce the deficit to eight points but the university dominated the game from that point on, receiving the Jacqueline Scott memorial trophy from ex-Cavalier and Leeds Rhinos star Darrell Griffin.
The Super League player also presented club captain Connaughton with a signed England shirt to display in the clubhouse. John Connaughton said: "Today was a great day for rugby league in Oxford. To have two huge names in the game, from past and present, in attendance really raises the profile of the game in Oxford. All the lads from both sides really gave their all out there and in the end the University deserved to take home the trophy."
