Oxford coach Tony Benson is confident his side will bounce back when they host second-placed Oldham Roughyeds at Iffley Road on Sunday.

Oxford were stunned 20-18 at home to basement boys University of Gloucestershire All Golds last week.

Benson’s side will be looking to record a double over Oldham having beaten them 18-16 at Whitebank in April, while the visitors are seeking a fourth victory in a row.

“We’ve been working hard this week in training,” said Benson.

“And I am expecting a positive reaction against one of the traditional clubs in the shape of Oldham.

“They have been travelling really well of late and have racked up some reasonable points against some good sides.

“We will need to be on our game and make sure we spend most of the game at the right end of the pitch, which is something we didn’t do against the All Golds.”

Oxford will be without long-term absentees Chris Clarke, Lucas Onyango and Luke Evans, while Sean Morris is still away with the World University Barbarians.

He will play against the University of Sydney ahead of tomorrow’s British & Irish Lions test decider.

Oxford: from Leather, Halliwell, S Robinson, Connick, B Robinson, Ellison, A Bentley, V Bentley, Roden, Hadden, Osborn, Hoggins, Johnson, Clough, Baird, Calladine, Fiander, Burch, Blewitt, Lynch.