Oxford University 55, Major Stanley's XV 31

A hat-trick of tries from wing Tim Catling was the highlight of an entertaining Oxford University victory last night.

The Dark Blues shone in attack, but had the occasional lapse in defence against a highly enterprising Stanley’s side who used 27 players.

Hooker Anton Oliver, lock Bert Payne, centre Tom Gregory and full back Chris Mahony all stood out for Oxford, while Catling’s pace gave them a real cutting edge.

Stanley’s were without any real star names, but contributed much to this traditional fixture.

Whether Cambridge University captain Jon Dawson, who was an interested spectator, will have learnt much of the Dark Blues’ Twickenham tactics remains to be seen.

Oxford went ahead in the second minute when fly half Ross Swanson reacted first to score from a charge-down and Gregory converted.

It wasn’t long before No 8 Chris Davies added a second try, with a controlled push-over effort, but Stanley’s were level by the 17th minute.

Flanker Doug Abbott scored from a tapped penalty, with Howard Graham converting, and wing Tom Tombleson touched down after a fine high kick from scrum half Graham Barr.

Back came Oxford with a little more control, Gregory notching from Swanson’s chip kick and then converting himself.

Quick hands and a strong finish allowed Mahony to cross in the corner on 28 minutes.

Oxford’s replacement lock Nic Van Zyl raced in from half-way before losing the ball in a last-ditch tackle, while Graham squeezed over to make it 24-17 at the break.

Mahony created Catling’s first try just after half-time, then Gregory accelerated through for his second and added the conversion.

Oxford were now in control, and Catling’s second try on 66 minutes was a real peach.

Mahony was again the provider with Gregory converting, but Catling’s speed and balance saw him cut through in style.

The final ten minutes saw the sides exchange a brace of tries.

Replacements Marcel Du Toit and Chow Mezger crossed for Stanley’s, with Graham converting both.

Oxford managed a penalty try before Mezger’s score, following a high tackle on Catling, who converted.

And after it, there was still time for Jules Allfrey and Van Zyl to set up Catling’s deserved hat-trick try.

Oxford director of rugby Steve Hill said: “I thought we looked sharp in attack, although our opponents won’t be throwing the ball around like that on the big day.

“Our defence wasn’t as sharp as it needed to be.

“We scored 50 points, but the guys were a bit deflated after the game.

“They realise that they let themselves down a couple of times.

“But we don’t want to be absolutely on our game yet.

“We also had five players suffering from sickness tonight, including Sean Morris, who pulled out beforehand.

“Tim Catling is as sharp as a pin at the moment and loving playing on that left wing.

“Chris Mahony had his best game of the season.”

Oxford University: Mahony, Browne, Burnett, Gregory (Allfrey 76), Catling, Swanson (McKerchar 62), Henry, Davis (Lutton 14), Oliver (Rosen 69), Thompson, Kench (Van Zyl 22), Payne, McKeen (Wright 52), Clarke (capt), Davies (Cheesman 62).

Major Stanley’s XV (starting line-up): Thompson, Boto, James, Cheeseman, Tombleson, Graham, Barr, Matthews, Moyce, Urpens, Chance, Pittfield, Beattie, Abbott, Hayman (capt).

Man-of-the-match: Catling.