OXFORD RL survived a second half fightback to beat London Skolars 38-24 at Iffley Road in Kingstone Press League 1.

Debutant Luke Gardiner (2), Andrew Hoggins, Matty Blythe, Danny Thomas, Karl Davies, and Aaron Jones Bishop crossed as the Blues scored seven tries.

The victory moved Oxford up to ninth in the table.

Hoggins went over for the opening try after four minutes and the Blues made their pressure count when Blythe crossed.

Adam Brook converted.

Thomas, Karl Davies and Gardiner scored, Brook converted twice, as Oxford led 28-0.

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Skolars regrouped in the second half and a short chip led to a Josh Kittrick try, which Mike Bishay backed up from the boot.

The Blues responded when Jones Bishop collected a kick and went over in the corner for 32-6.

However, the visitors pulled back three tries in ten minutes through Michael Sykes, Matt Cook and Will Lovell to take the score to 32-24 with 15 minutes remaining.

Oxford’s composure resurfaced with good handling releasing Gardiner to cross for his second of the match on 75 minutes.

Brook slotted the conversion to secure the win.

The Blues travel to Rochdale Hornets on Sunday.

Hornets are fourth in the table with eight points from six games.