OXFORD Saints pulled off one of the greatest wins in their history, overturning a 28-6 half-time deficit to beat title favourites Bristol Apache 35-34.

The comeback is their biggest for more than 15 years, but with their opponents highly-fancied to win Division 2 of the Southern Conference West, it ranks as one of their finest.

However, in front of a large crowd at Oxford Rugby Club, it was the visitors who started the stronger, taking an early lead with a touchdown.

Saints replied when Ben Denton found receiver Sam Armstrong with a bullet pass, and he used his speed to out-run the defenders for a 33-yard touchdown.

Although encouraged by the comeback, Oxford spirits were dampened when Bristol put together another quick-scoring drive to go 12-6 ahead.

This lead was stretched after a Denton pass was intercepted, and with the added point, Apache moved into a 19-6 lead.

This was extended after another touchdown, and at 28-6 behind at the break, things looked bleak for Saints.

However, they gave themselves hope when Denton passed to James Walter for a touchdown. Spencer Duffy added the extra point.

Soon after, Oxford reduced the lead further when a pass was intercepted by Oxford cornerback Mike Turner, who ran 72 yards into the Bristol end zone.

Another successful kick by Duffy made the score 28-20.

Bristol were rocked, and moments later another pass was intercepted by Saints rookie Michael Bearman, who raced in from 15 yards. Duffy’s solid kicking narrowed the scoreline to just 28-27.

The visitors eventually found their composure and a strong 58-yard drive ended with a touchdown to extend the lead to seven points.

But Saints hit back at the start of the fourth quarter when running back Kev Brooks dived over for a vital score to leave Bristol 34-33 ahead.

Head coach Andrew Day then instructed Oxford to attempt a two-point conversion and gain the lead, instead of the extra point kick which would only tie the game.

Denton dropped back and his offensive line kept the Bristol defenders at bay, allowing time for a perfect pass to the towering Richard Bloomer, who crossed into the end zone for the vital score.

Leading 35-34, Oxford’s defence stood firm, with the result sealed when Turner was in the right place in the final play of the game to bat the ball to the ground and allow the celebrations to start.