When Oxfordshire Nomads defeated St Edward’s School 24-3 in their inaugural match on October 2nd 1909, it was the start of a journey that continues today.

Nomads, who became Oxford RFC in 1947, survived two world wars and many highs and lows, but the club are now in their centenary season.

At their high point in the 1960s and 70s, Oxford were almost a first-class club and regular opponents of some of the best sides in England and Wales.

Their star has waned considerably in the professional era and they now play in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division – level eight of English rugby.

Members past and present feel there is still much to celebrate and events are taking place throughout 2009-10.

To mark the centenary season, the Oxford Mail convened a panel of former players to select the club’s all-time XV.

Meeting at the Turnpike pub in Yarnton, Richard Tyrrell, David Bagnall, Ray Tapper and Ron Salter know they face a tough task.

Tyrrell, a former prop, is now the club’s historian, while ex-scrum half and captain Bagnall is in his second spell as club president.

Fly half Tapper played more than 650 first-team matches and, like centre Salter, has served on various committees.

The quartet arrived full of ideas, but how would they come up with their best team?

“We had a golden era from 1964-65 to the mid 70s when we were verging on first class,” said Tapper, who suggested most players would come from that period.

“I think we can only pick who we’ve seen play, but there may have been better players in the first 50 years,” Bagnall said.

With the parameters set, it was on to the team.

Full back proved a shoot-out between Ian Moffatt and Steve Lazenby, with the former’s kicking and positional skills giving him the edge.

Tapper said: “We had to go for an out-and-out full back, but Steve Lazenby was a close second.”

Peter Stone, who interested the England selectors at one point, was a unanimous choice on the right wing.

As they pondered the other wing, Salter said: “It is also a case of whether we are looking for long-serving players or those who just dropped in.”

Generally, they felt club stalwarts should take precedence, and this was one reason why former captain Duncan Kilgour got the nod.

Moving on to the centres, Bagnall said: “The one that stands out for me is Ian Ray.

“He was absolute class and went on to play for Richmond when he moved to London.”

Former Oxford University coach Lynn Evans also came into the reckoning, but Rhys James was the choice to partner Ray.

“He was a really good runner,” said Tapper.

Although he could not really vote for himself, Ray Tapper was the clear choice of his colleagues at fly half.

“To me, there is no doubt,” said Bagnall.

Tapper returned the compliment by nominating David Bagnall as scrum half.

Although Phil Blake and Andy Tiplady were considered, Bagnall came out on top.

Tapper, his former half-back partner, said: “There was only really one scrum half for me.”

In the pack, the late George Webb stood out as an obvious selection at hooker.

Webb’s footballing talents made him particularly lethal at the scrum and many felt he deserved to play for England.

Bagnall said: “George is undoubtedly the best hooker who has every played for the Oxford club, bar none.”

Tapper added: “He was the best hooker in Britain at his time.”

John Mawle was chosen at loose-head prop for his superb scrummaging.

“He wasn’t great on the park, but he never took a step backwards,” said Bagnall.

Former England colt Peter Maton was the panel’s choice at tight-head prop.

“He was a top player and really consistent,” said Tapper.

Lock Jim Parsons, who won four England caps in 1968, was perhaps the oustanding player in a very strong team.

Bagnall said: “He would link with the backs in an era when second rows didn’t do that.”

Partnering Parsons is Graham Warrington, who played so well for Oxford in a trial at Coventry that their opponents signed him up.

Tyrrell said: “He was king of the line-out in the days before lifting.”

The panel went for Ian Paterson to provide the grit at blindside flanker.

“He was big and had the hardest hands I have ever seen,” said Tapper.

On the other flank, they opted for Max Kerrison.

“He was a typical New Zealand openside wing-forward,” said Tapper.

Salter added: “He was an expert at cheating too, in the style of Richie McCaw today.”

Completing the team at No 8 is John Harwood.

“I don’t think there is any opposition to him for this position,” Salter said.

Those who came close were named as replacements. Now let the clubhouse arguments begin...

The line-up:

15. Ian Moffatt (60s).

14. Peter Stone (50s) 13. Ian Ray (70s) 12. Rhys James (70s-80s) 11. Duncan Kilgour (60s-70s) 10. Ray Tapper (60s-80s) 9. David Bagnall (60s-70s) 1. John Mawle (60s-70s) 2. George Webb (60s-70s) 3. Peter Maton (70s-80s) 4. Graham Warrington (80s-90s) 5. Jim Parsons (60s) 6. Ian Patterson (60s) 7. Max Kerrison (60s) 8. John Harwood (60s-70s).

The bench

Steve Lazenby (full back), Mike Simmie (wing), Andy Tiplady (scrum half), Malcolm Pigg (centre), Peter Jones (hooker), Adrian Dunne (prop), Geoff Gage (prop), Thom Cooper (lock), Nigel Parker (back row), Roy Davies (flanker).