Oxford University RFC officials are still seething this week following Saracens' late withdrawal from Monday's fixture at Iffley Road.

The Premiership club informed Oxford late Thursday afternoon that they would be unavailable to fulfil the fixture.

"This left us with a huge problem, as we had already arranged a reception for our new sponsors, Gerrard," said Oxford's director of rugby Steve Hill

"In addition, with only five home matches this term, we could not afford to have a blank date."

Hill used his links in the game to contact Leicester Tigers, who were only too happy to fill the breach at short notice.

"We're all eternally grateful to Leicester for coming to the rescue," said Hill before the exciting 10-10 draw.

But Hill was still unhappy with Saracens.

"They tried to give several excuses, none of which I later discovered were legitimate. And it was they who originally contacted us for a game."

Sarries press officer, former Chinnor winger Matt Jones, said: "Due to other commitments, we were unfortunately unable to field a strong enough side to face Oxford."

What is certain is that the game would not have been as one-sided as Saracens' 151-point massacre of Dinamo Bucharest in the European Parker Pen Cup the previous day.

However, thanks to Leicester it all turned out all right on the night.

"That was by a long way our display of the season," said Dark Blues skipper Fraser Gemmell.

"We've still got a long way to go, especially in our set-pieces and execution, but we've got a collective spirit and team ethic that make us hard to beat."

The Blues are also getting some strength in depth. Prop Kevin Tkachuk (shoulder injury) and back row Ben Durham (heavy cold) pulled out, but their deputies performed with distinction against the strong Leicester second string.

Next to visit Iffley Road are NEC Harlequins, who meet the Blues next Tuesday (7.15 pm).