Oxford University made Northampton Wanderers fight all the way for a 27-10 victory at Iffley Road in their penultimate game before the Varsity Match.

The sides were level at 10-10 at the break after a first half dominated by two well-matched packs.

Northampton went ahead with tries from hooker Matt Williams and No 8 Teimana Harrison, but the Derk Blues battled back as tight head prop Bob Baker forced his way over for a brace of tries.

The students made a number of changes up front in the second half, and further Northampton tries from Danny Herriott and Tom Collins sealed the victory. Will Hooley also notched a penalty and Sam Olver two conversions.