Kingstone Press League 1 preview: Oxford v University of Gloucestershire All Golds

Oxford coach Tim Rumford was pleased that his team had some time off last week, after a tough test at Rochdale Hornets.

“The week off definitely came at a good time,” he said.

“We got a bit of a touch up at Rochdale and some of our inexperienced guys got schooled by a real experienced team.

“Although it wasn’t a good result for us, it’s another benchmarking exercise. It’s a lesson learned, we take it on the chin, review and go again.

“Gloucester are another good side, they’ve recruited well and seem to have a very good set up. I think they have been competitive with the northern sides and will be seeing the Oxford game as a good chance to get two points.

“I think we were showing some really good signs in the London game and the Hemel game and at Newcastle, where we were really competitive.

“We can improve and if we’re still in the game with 10 or 15 minutes to go at the weekend then I think the confidence in our boys will grow and we’ll give ourselves a good chance.”