OXFORD Cavaliers ran out of steam to lose 46-18 at Gloucester Warriors in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference West of England Division.

Cavaliers trailed just 20-18 on the hour mark, but injuries and a fresher Warriors bench meant the hosts ran in five unanswered tries, converting three.

Oxford’s defence were made to work hard early on, and finally conceded tries to Alex McEwan and Simon Price on 20 and 22 minutes.

Cavaliers hit back with hooker Stewart Hannah sneaking under the posts on 28 minutes, Owen McCaughan converting.

Play was held up while Oxford second row Jack Briggs was taken to hospital in ambulance with a neck injury, but he was discharged later that day after it was diagnosed as a muscular problem.

Gloucester led 14-6 at the break after Matt Bradley converted a try from Pat Hanslow.

Oxford replied with tries from prop Tyson Blackstock and Callum Murray-Threipland, either side of a score by Gloucester’s Levi Smith, Bradley converting.

Wing Ben Bodinham’s fourth try in two games made it 20-18 on the hour mark.

But Sam Goatley (2), Ben Brinkworth, Dale Cook and Bradley all crossed over late on as Gloucester seized control, Bradley converting three of them.