OURFC were drawn in pool 2 with the University of Johannesburg, Paris Universities and Trinity College, Dublin. The day started well with a 17 – 5 victory over Paris, but a disappointing 24 – 7 loss to TCD left the Oxford players with a tough encounter with Johannesburg at 9.05 at night to come. In torrential rain the guys put in their best performance of the day and with a little luck could have got a win, however a 12 nil loss was no disgrace. With their points difference better than both TCD and Paris it was assumed we would qualify for the cup. However, two yellow cards to Paris’ none saw Oxford drop into the Bowl.
Oxford faced TCD in the semi-finals at lunchtime and an exciting match saw Zandy Macdonald convert a last minute try to tie the score and take the match into golden point extra time. Sam Williams nearly sealed victory for Oxford but was dragged down inches from the line, Trinity then broke away to seal their second win over Oxford and progress to the Bowl final. Oxford were then forced into the play off where they overcame Reunion 21 points to 5. Coach Jacob Taylor named Will Boardman as Oxford’s Player of the Tournament for his all round display and willingness to literally empty himself in each game.

Lewis Anderson * (Trinity), Zandy Macdonald * (St Peter’s), Ed Doe * (Kellogg), Will Boardman (New), Graeme MacGilchrist * (University), Sam Williams (Somerville), Alex Corry (Merton), James Bennington (Lincoln), Chris Mansfield (Jesus), Ralph Weir (Wadham), George Eyre (New), Will Beynon (Balliol)
* Denotes Blue
For more details on the tournament, please visit the website:
http://www.centrale7.com/