On Monday night, the men’s Blues had their first ‘hit-out’ of the 2016/17 season on home soil and after an indifferent first half which saw them 17 points to 14 down at the break, produced a decent second 40 minute performance to give the squad encouragement as they get back into full training after a light week following their French tour. First half defensive errors by the Blues, were punished by the young Esher side, but in attack the Oxford side were sharp if lacking the cohesion which will come as the season progresses.

The tight five equipped themselves well at the set piece and were always willing ball carriers in the middle, whilst the back row showed a good balance of speed, strength and intelligence. The half-backs showed they have the ability to manage a game and get the players around them into the game, whilst the outside backs indicated enough to suggest that give them the ball and they will both create and finish chances.

Final score 35 points to 17.

The Blues next match is a second away fixture at Chinnor on Thursday 6th October, kick-off 7.30pm.

Team Kieran Ball, William Thornton, Joseph Morris, Fergus Taylor, Andrew Grant, Nicholas Roberts-Huntley, George Blomfield, William Wilson, Henry de Berker, Basil Strang, Tom Stileman, Conor Kearns, Henry Hughes, Ed David, Matt Geiger

Subs Noah Miller (on for William Thornton), James Scaife (on for Kieran Ball), Paul Childs (on for Joseph Morris), Graeme MacGilchrist (on for Fergus Taylor), Jonathan Marsden (on for Andrew Grant), Jacob Goss (on for Nicholas Roberts-Huntley), Tom Kershaw (on for Henry de Berker), Sebastian Haddock (on for Ed David), Tom Dyer (on for Henry Hughes), Alex Hogg (on for Matt Geiger)

ScoresT: Jacob Goss (1), Andrew Grant (1), William Wilson (1), Fergus Taylor (1), George Blomfield (1) C: Basil Strang (5)