OXFORDSHIRE were left frustrated by a 17-12 defeat to Eastern Counties in the National Under 20 Shield final at Coventry RFC.

Martin Moran’s men had three players sin-binned and saw captain Jack Horwood held up from the final play.

But Eastern Counties dominated the first half and were on top at the scrum throughout.

They led via a Rhys Hartley try and could have scored more, but Oxon hit back with an interception score from Grove wing Harry Carr in the corner.

Malcolm Onsando drove over for Eastern Counties, who led 10-5 at half-time. Oxon had Chinnor centre Leo Fielding and Carr yellow-carded before Adam White converted his own try to make it 17-5.

Fly half Will Millett (Chinnor) became Oxon’s third man in the bin for what referee Jonathan Healey ruled as a deliberate knock-on.

Oxford Brookes University centre Josh Nutton, whose defence had been outstanding, went over for Oxon’s second try, Millett converting.

Oxfordshire were buoyed by this and kept pressing for an equalising try.

In the dying minutes and after three penalties, Chinnor flanker Jack Horwood forced his way over the line, but was judged to be held up.

Oxfordshire: Buckland (Leeds University) Blewitt (Chinnor), Nutton (Oxford Brookes), Fielding (Chinnor), Carr (Grove), Millett (Chinnor), Watts (Gosford All Blacks), Jones (Oxford Harlequins), Deacon (Witney), Smith (Oxford Brookes), Neal (Oxford Harlequins), Myatt (Oxford Harlequins), Horwood (Chinnor), Biscoe (Bicester), Kynge (Abingdon School). Reps: McCaffrey (Oxford Harlequins), Marks (Newcastle University), Lennards (Witney), Elliott (Oxford Brookes University), Garrido (Oxford Harlequins), Moore (Abingdon School), Harris (unattached).