OXFORD Saints extended their perfect start to the season to six matches, but they were pushed all the way by Bristol Apache at Tilsley Park.

James Walter was again their star man, scoring a hat-trick of touchdowns to see off their nearest challengers 29-26 in Division 2 of the Southern Conference West.

Apache’s key man was Jon Walters, who spectacularly opened the scoring with a 78-yard run.

Walter’s first score got Saints on the board early in the second quarter, with Sam Fielden kicking the extra point.

Walters hit back, crossing for two touchdowns either side of Tom Swift’s effort to put the visitors 20-14 ahead and on the way to upsetting the form book.

But their hope at the start of the third quarter was short-lived, thanks to Walter.

First, he capped off a drive with a three-yard touchdown, with Fielden adding the successful kick.

Then Walter sealed victory with his third score of the afternoon, before running in for the additional two points to open up a 29-20 lead.

It meant despite Apache having the final word through Kev Shelbourn, Saints held on to claim a hard-fought victory.

They will attempt to make it seven wins on the bounce on Sunday, when they visit Newquay for a clash against third-placed Cornish Sharks.