Oxford Cavaliers made a winning start to their Rugby League Conference West of England Division campaign with a 48-22 victory over champions Gloucestershire Warriors at Gloucester.

Warriors opened the scoring after some sloppy defending, but Cavaliers soon had their noses in front after some strong running from Jack Briggs.

And at half-time they led 22-10 with Briggs bagging a brace of tries, and Chris Skelton and Craig Tandy also crossing the line.

Shane Turner was successful with three of the four conversions.

Cavaliers stepped up a gear after the break, scoring further tries through man-of-the-match Chris Fehr, Rauiri Lynch, Craig Plant, Nelson Jordan and Skelton, who completed his double, with Turner converting three.

Warriors hit back with two converted tries.