Oxford Cavaliers ended their season on a low note as they went down to a 48-18 hammering by Northampton Casuals in a friendly at Stratfield Brake.

Cavaliers went ahead early on when hooker John Connaughton spotted a gap before running 70 metres and touching down under the posts.

Prop Ryan Hodnett slotted the conversion for a 6-0 lead.

After Dale Townsend went close to a try, Northampton started to get a grip on the game and stormed into a 28-6 advantage at the break.

Just minutes into the second half, Cavaliers suffered a blow when their skipper Connaughton sufferd an injury.

This disrupted the side with several players forced to play in unfamiliar positions.

Northampton took full advantage, with three tries.

But Cavaliers did not give up, with stand off Tom Waterfield pouncing on his own kick before going over for a try, which was converted by Hodnett.

Northampton had two men sent off following a dangerous tackle on prop Kevin Mason, before Sean Conway reduced the deficit when scything through the Northampton defence.

Hodnett put over the conversion as they trailed 42-18.

A converted try for Northampton completed Oxford’s misery.