OXFORD University hammered Loughborough University 43-0 in their penultimate Varsity Match warm-up at a very wet Iffley Road last night.

Loughborough stepped in to play the Dark Blues at late notice after original opponents Northampton pulled out from a match that had been due to take place on Monday.

The visitors battled well in the tough conditions, but Oxford will be delighted with the way they bounced back after their disappointing 26-26 draw with the Major Stanley’s XV last week.

Back-row forward George Messum, who captained Loughborough last year, led the way with a brace of tries as the Dark Blues pack held sway.

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Scrum half Sam Egerton, captain Jacob Taylor, wing Henry Lamont and replacement Ed Doe completed the try scoring.

Fly half George Cullen took over the place-kicking from centre Matt Janney, who had the role against Stanley’s, landing five conversions and a penalty.

The Dark Blues visit Esher on Sunday for their final match before taking on Cambridge University at Twickenham on Thursday, December 11.

Oxford, who are chasing a record-breaking fifth straight Varsity Match victory, and Cambridge will announce their teams for the showpiece clash on Tuesday morning.

Oxford University: J Taylor*, Hughes*, Janney*, Macdonald*, Lamont*, Cullen, Egerton*, Scaife, Gardner*, Williams*, F Taylor, Reeson Price*, Messum, Jones*, Heathcote*. Reps: Wisson*, Irvine, Western, MacGilchrist*, Thomas, de Berker, Doe*, Strang. * denotes Blue.

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