Tim Rumford has challenged Oxford RL to come up with a response against North Wales Crusaders on Sunday (3) following the lowest point of their season last weekend.

The head coach was hugely disappointed with his side’s display in the 64-0 thrashing at title hopefuls Oldham.

It means they are still waiting to pick up a point on their travels in Kingstone Press League 1.

Results at Iffley Road, where they entertain the Crusaders, have been strong, though, and Oxford will be attempting to extend a club record which stands at four successive home wins.

But Rumford knows to make it five in a row they will need a vast improvement from the Oldham game.

“The performance was probably the worse we’ve had this season,” he said.

“The middle of the field was our biggest disappointment.

“We failed to control the speed of the ruck, our first contact was poor and our wrestle and technique really let us down.

“The opposition had the opportunity to play on their own terms and our edges were in scramble mode all the time – it’s very easy to attack against a team going backwards.

“We’ve got a lot to fix up this week, particularly in the middle, and I’m looking for a response and a tough response.

“We want some people to get some shoulder in and make some good first contact – that will be the challenge for our players.”

There are injury doubts over loose forward Jamie Milburn (shoulder), while centre Josh Nathaniel and half-back Nathan Kitson have hamstring issues.