On a wet and windy Friday night at Iffley Road, the Whippets overcame not only the difficult conditions but also a resolute and determined Alchester side to record a narrow 10 points to 5 victory and reach the Oxfordshire County Shield Final at their first  attempt. It has not been an easy ride for the University 3rd XV, predominantly made up of first and second year students, as they have recorded wins against two other local club sides, Didcot and Harwell to take their place in the final against the Invitational ‘Pub’ side the Blue Boar.

Try scorers on the night for the Whippets were back row forward Ross Toward (St Anne’s) from a well constructed driving maul and full-back Brook Keats (Worcester) who defied the treacherous underfoot conditions to beat several players on a 30 metre run to the line.

The date for the final, to be played at Iffley Road – as is traditional – will be confirmed in the next 7 to 10 days.