James Walter scored two touchdowns as Oxford Saints warmed up for the Southern Conference West Division 2 play-offs with a 13-12 win against Cornish Sharks at Newquay on Saturday.

Trailing 12-6, the visitors went ahead in the fourth quarter, a lead they never relinquished to record a double, having beaten the Cornishmen 43-24 at home.

Saints, whose captain, linebacker Dean Bryan was making his 100th appearance, were caught cold when Isaak Marshall charged into the endzone to put Sharks ahead.

Saints equalised almost immediately when Ben Denton and Rich Bloomer found Walter, who fought his way through the rearguard to touch down.

Moments later, Walter received a pass before charging forward 34 yards to make it 1,000 rushing yards for the season, but it came to nothing.

Sharks restored their lead when Joseph Wolfenden-Brown crossed the line for 12-6.

Saints defended valiantly, Sam Stancombe sacking Wolfenden-Brown and Marshall both being held just short of the line.

Saints increased the intensity in the fourth quarter and it paid off.

Denton and Antonios Athanasiou picked out Walter, who charged into the endzone, with Spencer Duffy kicking the extra point for a 13-12 lead, which they held despite severe pressure.