OXFORD University got their first taste of defeat this term when they went down 24-17 to Penguins at Iffley Road last night.

The Blues, wearing pink jerseys which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Against Breast Cancer Charity, went behind to a converted try, but levelled when prop John Direen forced his way over the line for Charlie Marr to add the conversion.

A converted penalty try saw Penguins 14-7 up at the break and another try shortly afterwards increased their advantage.

Tries from wings Sean Morris and Henry Lamont brought the Dark Blues right back into the game, but Marr missed both conversion attempts, which was to prove costly as Penguins sealed victory in the closing stages when Henley’s Martin Nutt went over for a try.