Blue Boar captain James Brufell said his players had been confident of winning the Oxfordshire Shield despite not training together.

He said: "It was all about hard work. Oxford are a good side. It is also a pleasure to play them.

"Once we got that try after the break, we were able to control the game and play a lot better.

"This was our ninth game this year and we've won all of them.

"We have had a good season. The team has been fairly similar throughout."

Oxford coach John Brodley said: "I thought we played really well for the first 25 minutes, but it was still 0-0 and we should have taken advantage.

"From that point, you just sensed that we were in a little bit of trouble.

"In the second half, I tried to freshen the forwards up, but we still struggled to get any ball.

"We were living off scraps and Stoop was able to dictate the pace.

"The players feel disappointed, but it is just one step on the way.

"We turn our attention to the league and securing third place.

"I'm disappointed with the result, but I thought the six young lads played well and they are the future for us."