OXFORD University lost 21-15 in their friendly at Richmond last night.

In a scrappy game, the Dark Blues led 8-0 a minute before the interval, but the hosts hit back to inflict a first defeat of the season on their visitors.

A penalty from centre Matt Janney put Oxford ahead and they extended their lead when, after a kick into the corner, Tom Reeson-Price was driven over for an unconverted try.

Richmond reduced the deficit in the final minute of the half, Callum Grant going over and James Platt kicking an excellent touchline conversion.

The first 20 minutes after the restart was dominated by Richmond, scrum half Grant going over for his second try, Platt again on target.

Richmond’s Paul Nash took a quick tap penalty and scored in the corner to make it 19-8 in the 72nd minute, Platt again adding the extras.

With a minute to go, Oxford flanker George Messom scored and George Cullen converted.

And the Dark Blues nearly won it with the final play, only to knock on.

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