SEAN Morris scored in the closing minutes to seal a 27-22 win for Oxford RL at Iffley Road.

The victory sent Tony Benson’s men up to second in the Kingstone Press Championship One table, but they were pushed all the way by a struggling Gateshead Thunder, who thoroughly deserved a losing bonus point.

Once Oxford had scored an early try they were always in front, although the points were only secured when Morris touched down six minutes from time.

The home side settled quickly and were ahead following a flowing move on seven minutes.

Shaun Robinson made the break and the ball was spread out for John James Baird to score his first Oxford try.

Jonny Leather converted to make it 6-0.

The advantage was quickly doubled after a knock-on from Gateshead.

From the resulting scrum on the ten-metre line the ball found its way to Leather, who darted between two tackles to touch down under the posts.

It gave him a simple task of converting for a 12-0 lead.

The Thunder got on the board midway through the half, with Aaron Ollett crashing over from close range, but Ben Hardcastle missed the conversion.

Oxford’s response was rapid, thanks to a try from Lucas Onyango after good work from Oli Johnson.

Leather was unable to add the extras, so the score remained 16-4.

Gateshead cut the deficit to just six points before half-time when Luke Hardcastle started and finished an attacking move, before brother Ben kicked the conversion.

The hosts started the second half as they had done in the first.

From the kick-off Onyango collected the ball and blew a hole in the Thunder’s defence.

He gained 50 metres before off-loading to John Clough, who finished the move clinically.

Leather converted for a 12-point cushion, but once again Gateshead fought back.

Ollett scored his second try of the afternoon following a precise kick through from Danny Nicholas.

Ben Hardcastle added the extras to keep Gateshead within range.

Leather eased the nerves by slotting over a drop goal, before the Thunder provided another twist ten minutes from time.

Oxford conceded successive penalties to give the visitors a good field position and they took advantage with a try from Chris Heil.

Ben Hardcastle kicked the conversion to get Gateshead to within one point of their hosts.

The game was on a knife-edge, but Morris struck the decisive blow on 74 minutes, collecting a measured kick from Tommy Connick to dive over in the corner.

The conversion was missed by Leather, but Gateshead did not have time to respond.

Oxford are at home again this Sunday, when Rochdale visit (3).