DESPITE a determined fightback, Oxford Saints went down 26-14 to Southern Conference Division 1 Central pacesetters Sussex Thunder at Brighton.

The hosts, who maintained their 100 per cent record, stormed into a 26-0 lead, but Saints fought back to dominate the latter stages thanks to two touchdowns from James Walter.

The visitors showed they have improved since their 35-8 defeat at Sussex’s hands earlier in the campaign.

Defences dominated the first quarter, which was scoreless.

Sussex took charge in the second period, scoring three touchdowns through Chris Evans, Vince Valentine and Adam Fishlock, with Andrew Stone adding one extra point.

Early in the third quarter, the Thunder extended their lead when Ben Chukwu-onu ran up the sideline for a 35-yard touchdown, Stone kicking the extra point.

Saints responded strongly.

Good running from Tony Glover, Rob Johnson and Antonious Athanasiou gave them several first downs.

Walter charged through from six yards out for their first score. Rookie kicker Dean Fuller added the extra point.

Then Glover set up good field position and Walter ran in for his second touchdown, Fuller kicking the extras to complete the scoring

Saints travel back to Brighton for round three against Thunder on June 4.