OXFORD finished the season on a low note as they lost 37-6 to North Wales Crusaders despite taking the lead.

Nathan Kitson dived over to open the scoring in the Kingstone Press League 1 Shield match at Tilsley Park, but from then on the contest belonged to the visitors.

Crusaders scored seven tries, including a Rob Massam hat-trick, to ensure Oxford finished 13th in the table.

Tommy Holland and Massam’s first two scores saw the home side trail 16-6 at half-time.

Simon Atherton all but made the game safe eight minutes into the second half, stretching the lead to 16 points.

Oxford had scoring chances, but did not possess the same cutting edge as their opponents.

Kenny Baker, Massam’s third try and a score from ex-Oxford captain Alex Thompson rubbed salt in the wounds.

And the scoring was completed with virtually the final action of the game by a drop goal from Ryan Smith.