Oxon champions Banbury were given a lesson by Oxford University in South League Premier Division 1 with the students finishing 5-3 winners.

The Blues are coached by former GB captain John Shaw and they prepared for the new season with warm weather training and practice matches in Barcelona.

Banbury were out of the blocks quickly though, and created an early chance, Will Kellett having a shot saved.

Then in the next five minutes, Simon Boardman and Harry Loxton both should have scored.

Banbury were to rue these missed chances as from almost their first two attacks the University went 2-0 up.

Banbury reduced the arrears when Loxton rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Banbury went down to ten men when Simon West was sent to the sin-bin and the students capitalised and made it 3-1 from a breakaway just before half-time.

Adrian Simons smashed home after Tyson Nunneley’s short corner rebounded to him, to make it 3-2.

The well-drilled University side expertly put away their second short corner.

Simons grabbed his second after rounding the keeper.

But with 15 minutes to go Charlie Murphy was sin-bin-ned for obstruction, and from the short corner the students restored their two-goal lead.

Adam Jordan notched a hat-trick for the Blues, and their other goals came from Will Alderton and James Ramsay.

Oxford Hawks were beaten 2-0 at Eastbourne in Premier 2.

Wallingford, nervous after being promoted two leagues, were pleased to start with a 3-3 draw at West Hampstead in MBB&O Regional 1.

Rich Pool scored twice, and Nick Golding got the other.

Oxford Hawks 2nd lost 4-3 at home to Staines 2nd, with Dan Robins, Jamie Franklin and Paul Dunleavy on target.

Rover Oxford lost 1-0 at home to British Airways.