Oxford Saints suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 23-7 away to Tamworth Phoenix in the BAFL Conference Division 1.

Two scores late in the final quarter saw Tamworth secure victory, in a game where defences were on top.

After a scoreless first half, Tamworth went ahead in the third quarter when Saints’ quarterback Ben Tolley was tackled in his own end zone.

But Oxford hit back when Stuart Ennis forced the opposition quarterback to fumble, and Ross Gouldie raced in for a 33-yard touchdown. Adam Newman added the extra point to put Saints 7-2 ahead.

However, the score seemed to spark Tamworth into life and they scored a touchdown of their own to go into the final period 10-7 ahead.

And two more touchdowns ensured there was no way back for Oxford, who remain top despite the defeat.