Uni wins Town and Gown match

Oxford University defeated local amateur side Oxford Cavaliers in the annual “Town and Gown” match.

The Oxford Cavaliers were hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins in this annual memorial match held for Jacqueline Scott, who was physiotherapist for both clubs, at Stratfield Brake. The Cavaliers had won the games convincingly the two years previous and were in high spirits following their latest victory of the Brookes Bulls.
 
The game saw Cavaliers get off to a great start as new recruit Dave McKenzie started to control things from half back. Prop Ben Louisson was sent in by McKenzie for an early Cavs try in the corner which was converted by Cavaliers new kicker Mark Benstead. The game then evened out with some strong defensive displays from both sides.
 
Another new starter Tim Nash had an impressive game for the Cavaliers scoring on his debut and making some big hits in the middle of the park. Nashs’ defensive display was needed as the University began to come back into the game. Tom Waterfield, the University captain, began to control things for the visitors and got a stranglehold on the game. The leadership of Waterfield combined with the service from Alistair Campbell from hooker gave the home side problems throughout the second half.
 
With 5 minutes of the game remaining the Cavaliers were winning 28-25 thanks to a brace from John Connaughton. The University were given a boost when a couple of quick penalties lead to Campbell being held up over the line on the second tackle. From the resulting play the ball the University spread the ball wide to go in in the corner taking the score to 28-29. Waterfield’s first half drop goal seemed to have just been enough for the University but the conversion was slotted over too from the touchline.
 
The University led the celebrations and were finally presented with the trophy after a two year wait. Waterfield was awarded Man of the match after an impressive display at scrum half. The Cavaliers however were still upbeat as they managed to give debuts to new players Darren Small, Tim Nash, Josh Davies, Max Schoengen, Dan Smith, Jim Sutton and Paul Phillips.