Injury-hit Oxford Cavaliers suffered their third straight defeat last Saturday when they were beaten 44-6 by Hemel Hempstead Stags in the RL Conference Central South Division, but there was no shame in this performance.

Reduced to 16 players before the start, by injuries to key players, and with several players carrying knocks, Oxford fought tenaciously against the visitors, who are joint top of the whole Conference.

For 15 minutes the match was evenly balanced but an explosive burst of three tries saw the Stags open up an 18-point lead midway through the first half.

Undeterred, the Cavaliers battled back but their attacks foundered on Hemel's rock-like defence.

As the rain lashed down, Hemel second rower Gareth Martin backed up well to score two tries but Oxford hit back with a cheeky try from close range by player-coach Andy Smales.

Though 30-6 down at half-time, Oxford emerged confidently and the second half was an attritional affair with defences prevailing. Hemel added three further tries as the Cavaliers tired, with Martin completing his hat-trick and winger Russ Willoughby adding a brace.

Oxford's forwards worked tirelessly, particularly the RAF pair of Rob Lowson and Mark Bell, who shared 40 tackles between them.

Three-quarters Brad Smith and Mark Myhre gave their best displays of the season while fullback Steve Corcoran showed some nice touches.

*Oxford Cavaliers U16s confirmed their growing promise with a 28-10 victory over Hemel Hempstead Stags U16s with tries from Morris, Hayle, Ward, Kimber and Abel.