Oxford have to play Sunday’s scheduled home match against Swinton Lions at a neutral venue because of maintenance work on their Iffley Road pitch.

The Kingstone Press League 1 clash has been switched to Pennine Way, Hemel Hempstead – home of the Hemel Stags – with a 3pm kick-off time.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing result at Keighley last week, when the Cougars scored thee late tries to run out 44-14 winners.

Oxford coach Tim Rumford said: “For the majority of the game at Keighley I was pleased with our effort and intent.

“The first half was really, really good, we applied a lot of pressure and disrupted them, but the 15-2 penalty count against us didn’t help.

“We were busted in the last 25 minutes against a quality team, but we showed character.”

Rumford admitted that Oxford faced a stiff test.

“Swinton have strong back rowers and centres and like to get the ball out to the edge,” he said.

“We’re going to have to be really on our mettle to compete.

“We won at Hemel against the Stags this season, so it might be a good omen.”

Oxford, in ninth place, are just one place, but a full five points behind Swinton, who will be looking to close the gap on the pacesetters.

The Blues are hoping to extend their lead over the other southern clubs as they look to cement ninth place.

Swinton coach John Duffy said: “Oxford will be tough.

“They’ve had some decent results this season so far, so we’ll have to go down there with a good attitude to get a win.”