Jack Briggs scored a hat-trick, but Oxford Cavaliers were edged out 30-28 by a late try at Bristol Sonics in the RL Conference West Division.

A see-saw game was in the balance throughout, but a dramatic score from the home side proved critical.

Cavaliers were looking to build on their opening day victory away to Gloucestershire Warriors last month and the prospects of back-to-back away victories looked good early on.

Briggs struck three times as the teams traded scores, while Ben Bodinham and Paul Evans also touched down.

Chris Fehr kicked four from five conversions – with the single missed kick turning out to be crucial.

Cavaliers led by four points heading into the final ten minutes, but a Sonics try tied the scores and a successful conversion won the game.

Oxford playmaker Stewart Hannah said: “We’re naturally disappointed, we came here to win and just came up short.

“But we’ve played some great rugby, and some of what we did epitomised the extra belief at the club this year.”

Cavaliers are next in action against Somerset Vikings on Saturday at Oxford RFC, North Hinksey (2pm).