Oxford Cavaliers went down to their first home defeat of the season after a 30-10 loss against Burntwood Barbarians in the Co-Operative Summer Conference Midland Division.

The hosts paid for a sluggish start, going 10-0 down before forcing their way back into the contest.

The game, at Marston Ferry Road, was preceded by a minute's silence for physio Jacqueline Scott, who died in a motorbike accident. Her partner, Steve Longmoor attended the game.

Barbarians seemed to cope better with the torrential rain and raced into a ten-point lead, with two tries, one of which was converted. That shook Oxford and they responded with a try from Dan Kimber (pictured, right) who went over in the corner.

In an ill-tempered encounter, Cavaliers' forward Pete Trotter was sent to the sin-bin on 35 minutes for back-chatting the referee. Barbarians then scored a third try as they went into the break 14-4 up.

In the second half, Cavaliers forced their way back into the clash with quick handling from Kimber and Stewart Hannah setting up Rob Kenny to go over in the corner, before a great kick from the touch-line by Charlie Morris reduced the arrears to a try.

However, Cavaliers could not maintain their momentum as Barbarians ran in a couple more tries to put the game out of reach.

Barbarians were then reduced to 12 men after hooker Lloyd Shelley was sent off for a head-butt.

However, that had little affect as the visitors sealed victory with another try.

Cavaliers coach Matt Walsh said: "The game was very tough and physical and the players put their heart and souls into it."