WEST OF ENGLAND LEAGUE

OXFORD Cavaliers will play in a higher league next year, despite being hammered 94-12 in the grand final at Cheltenham Old Patesians.

Cavaliers plan to field a joint side with Oxford RL at Conference tier three level, while keeping another team in the West of England League.

Oxford shipped 18 tries to a rampant Old Pats as they fell well short in their bid for a second succesive title.

Cavaliers hooker Stewart Hannah said: “We played poorly and travelled with a squad of 16, many of whom were carrying injuries and fatigue.

“Cheltenham were fresh after a week off as Somerset forfeited their semi-final – and they had a full squad.

“We struggled throughout and were never in the game.

“It is still quite an achievement to reach two finals on the trot nonetheless.”

Oxford scored tries through Ben Sydenham, Stuart Wak-nell and Wes Newton.

Home captain Darren Moore pulled the strings, scoring 26 points from a try and 11 goals.

James Pettigrew added a hat-trick, while Henry Tapsell scored once before suffering a serious leg injury.

Paul Knight and Jamie Fisher also bagged try trebles, with Callum Stonier, Ben Tupper, Simon Brown adding braces.

Jonathan Loudon completed the tally.