The countdown to this season’s Varsity clash with Cambridge got under way at the Oxford Union as the Students claimed a 5-4 win in the annual Town v Gown match.

Welterweight Oliver Harriman claimed the best boxer of the night award after a battle with Yeovil’s Lloyd Buckling.

The University southpaw bowled his rival over with a sweeping left in the opening round and consolidated his advantage after the interval.

Buckling rallied and a cluster yielded a count over the student, but this effort could not sway the verdict.

All but one of the Town boxers were from outside Oxford.

Cruiserweight Andrei Akh-viedani was not overawed by the height advantage of Bristol rival Dane Kelly, claiming a split decision after an absorbing three-round slugfest.

Former Abingdon and Berinsfield lightweight Harley Mace provided the students with a winning start to the evening, with a split decision over Cheshunt’s David Leo.

Middleweight Steffan Hoy-emsvoll looks a useful pros-pect after outscoring Blackbird Leys rival Scott Walsh.

Ben Morris edged out Abingdon’s Mark Cooke on a split decision following their close light heavyweight clash. Abingdon’s Joe Kent gained a majority verdict over University’s David Lee in their light welterweight encounter.

Students James Meredith and Alec Ward lost to Thame & Aylesbury duo Lee Fitzgerald and Lloyd Smith respectively.

Middleweight Ruben Zwei-ban struggled against taller Basingstoke rival Bryce Goodridge and lost on points. Southpaw Mark Jones recorded the only win inside schedule as he imposed three counts over fellow Varsity contender Matt Moore to prompt a halt midway through the third round of their light heavyweight clash.