Oxford University RFC delivered a commanding performance under the Friday Night Lights at Iffley Road, overcoming a determined Rams Development XV to secure a 24-12 victory.
On a crisp, dry evening, the opening exchanges saw both sides jostling for control, but it was the Blues who
struck first in electrifying fashion. Spotting space in the Rams' defensive line, full-back Harry Bridgewater collected a deft chip inside his own half before launching a flowing attack out wide, where Tom Mewes finished clinically in the corner. Bridgewater then added a well-taken conversion to give the home side a 7-0 lead.
The game settled into a battle of attrition in the middle third, with Oxford’s aggressive defensive pressure stifling Rams' attacking ambitions and forcing them to kick for territory. As the half wore on, the Blues’ discipline was tested with a yellow card for repeated infringements, but when another opportunity presented itself, they took it ruthlessly. A slick passing move created space for Ben Hartigan, who dotted down out wide to extend the lead to 12-0 at the break.
Oxford’s dominance continued into the second half. Fly-half Ben Scher charged down a kick before showing his composure with a clever dummy, putting Danny Stokes through under the posts for a well-worked try. Bridgewater added the extras, pushing the scoreline to 19-0.
Rams fought back and capitalized on their advantage when Oxford suffered a second yellow card, using a well-executed rolling maul to earn their first try of the night. Another sin-binning quickly followed, momentarily reducing the Blues to 13 men, but the hosts refused to back down. Turning defence into attack, they won a crucial turnover at the breakdown before wing Wolfe Morn carved through the Rams' defence to score Oxford’s fourth try.
Despite trailing 24-5, Rams continued to battle, and a pinpoint 50/22 kick from replacement fly-half James Gilman gave them an attacking platform. Moments later, a perfectly weighted grubber allowed Tom David to collect and score, reducing the deficit to 24-12.
However, any hopes of a late comeback were firmly shut down by the Blues’ resolute defence, who saw out the final minutes to claim a well-earned victory. It was a performance full of grit, structure, and attacking flair—an encouraging sign as the squad builds towards the season ahead.
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