RUGBY UNION: Dark Blues swept aside by Northampton (From Oxford Mail)

RUGBY UNION: Dark Blues swept aside by Northampton

11:29pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in Sport

Northampton 26,

Oxford University 0

Oxford University found Northampton too strong as they were overpowered at Franklins Gardens tonight.

The Dark Blues were always up against it after conceding two tries in the opening nine minutes.

Northampton started in impressive fashion, taking the lead after two minutes when left wing Jamie Elliott outstripped the Oxford defence for a try converted by fly half Will Hooley.

Elliott struck again seven minutes later, with his pace proving too much for the visitors again as he added a second try. Oxford dug in though and got a foothold in the game with their forwards holding Northampton.

However, they conceded another try just before half-time when scrum half Alex Day nipped over, with Hooley again converting to make it 19-0 at the break.

With both sides making a number of changes in the second half, the play became disrupted.

Oxford were under pressure for much of the half, and were unable to create chances of their own.

But they defended well even when they were reduced to 14 men with players sin-binned.

Northampton were restricted to just one more try when back row forward Matt Williams went over after 68 minutes, with Hooley kicking his third conversion.

The Dark Blues are back on home territory next Monday when they entertain Henley Hawks at Iffley Road (7.30).