Oxford Cavaliers finished their league campaign with a first home defeat as they went down 48-20 to a well-drilled Cheltenham Old Patesians at Oxford RFC on Saturday.

The reverse means Cavaliers, who went into the game with a two-point lead at the top, finished in a three-way tie with Gloucestershire Warriors and Patesians, but took first place on points difference.

They will now go into the play-offs seeded below the Old Pats due to the two clubs’ home and away records.

Things started well for Cavaliers, who got the first points on the board after some good work, captain Wes Newton taking one from the ruck and squeezing over the line.

Cheltenham came back strongly and took a big lead before Oxford reduced the deficit with a try from Milo Miles from the half-back position just before half-time.

The Oxford side could only muster a 16-man squad and that was to cost them dearly as they suffered injuries to several key players after the break.

Centre Chris Fehr had to go to hospital with damage to his right shoulder, and half-back Stewart Hannah was forced to leave the field twice after an injury to his hip.

Other injuries meant Cavaliers finished with only 12 players on the pitch and Old Pats were quick to cash in on their numerical advantage.

They attacked relentlessly throughout the second half, making the most of penalties and handling errors conceded by the home side.

Cavaliers kept battling and scored two more tries via Newton and winger Craig Plant, who scored his first of the season after a impressive move on the fourth tackle.

Johnny Morris landed two conversions.

Cavaliers now await confirtation of their opponents in the play-offs, and it looks as though they will be facing Gloucestershire Warriors at home in two weeks’ time.