Oxford University 14, Tonga 34: Sheer brute force finally told as Tonga ran in three tries in a final-quarter blitz to sink Oxford University at Iffley Road yester- day.

But having battled tirelessly until then, the Dark Blues can consider themselves unlucky to have lost by 20 points.

They scored the game's outstanding try when Oxford's man-of-the match, James Whittingham, set up the equally impressive Tom Tombleson on the left wing.

And considering the weight advantage they were conceding, the Dark Blues held their own up front.

Loosehead prop Soane Tonga'uiha was the only Tongan forward to run riot, but Oxford will not meet someone of his size in the Varsity Match.

The Dark Blues led 7-5 in the first half and were just 17-14 down on the hour mark, so there was much to please director of rugby Steve Hill.

Tonga began with the bit between their teeth, and scored after just four minutes.

Once Tonga'uiha had made his first rampaging break of the afternoon, Oxford were unable to prevent a left-wing overlap and an easy try for full back Vaea Poteki.

The Dark Blues soon settled, enjoying plenty of possession.

Several half chances came and went before Oxford drew level on 22 minutes.

Flanker Doug Abbott secured a turnover with a crunching tackle and the ball was spun wide to Tombleson.

He had plenty of ground to cover, but finished cleverly with an early dive and Whittingham converted from the touchline.

Oxford kept up the pressure and Ross Lavery threatened with a chip and charge.

But they were hit by a sucker punch on the stroke of half-time as Teviat Tiueti fed left wing Salesi Finau to canter over and Elisi Vunipola converted.

Tonga upped their tempo after the break and were denied a try when Lavery just managed to touch down in his own 22.

Oxford were defending doggedly, but eventually the pressure told and Finau had an easy second try on 49 minutes.

Four minutes later, Tombleson completed his own brace with another intelligent finish from Whittingham's perfectly-timed pass.

But tries from hooker Vliiami Maasai, flanker Rodney Mahe, which Sila Va'enuku converted, and fly half Vunipola saw Tonga finish on a high.

Oxford University: Knox (Fauth 57), Lavery, James, Whittingham, Tombleson, Sherman (Fennell 40), Jenkins (Brennan 40), Matthews, Dalgliesh (capt) (Rosen 80), Brophy, Graham, Harris (Hadfiled 72), Jones, Abbott, Du Toit (Underwood 80).

Tonga: Poteki, Tiueti, Hufanga (Fisialu 69), Mailei, Finau (Va'enuku 52), Vunipola, Havea, Tonga'uiha, Maasi (Pale 60), Lea'aetoa (Maka 69), F Molitika (Ngauamo 60), Afeaki (capt), M Moltika, Mahe, Fono.

Referee: M Fox.

Attendance: 1,500.