Richmond 19

(try Rossiter; con Roberts; pens Roberts 4)

Oxford University 10

(try Janney; con Hudson; pen Hudson)

Oxford University paid the price for giving away too many penalties as they slipped to defeat in their first domestic fixture of the season at Richmond’s Athletic Ground last night.

The Dark Blues, who had lost the two games on their pre-season tour to France and Spain, fell behind to a penalty from fly half Hugh Roberts on six minutes.

Richmond, who play their league rugby alongside Henley in National 1, continued to enjoy the better of the opening exchanges.

And it was no surprise when Roberts extended the hosts’ lead with his second penalty after 15 minutes.

But Oxford rallied to score a try five minutes later.

Following a line-out on the Richmond 22m line, the Dark Blues recycled the ball through a series of phases before fly half Matt Janney forced his way over from five metres.

Full back Jonathan Hudson added the conversion to put Oxford ahead – a lead which they held at half-time.

However, Richmond started the second half strongly and right wing Jak Rossiter scored a try, converted by Roberts in the 45th minute.

Roberts added another penalty five minutes later to extend the hosts’ lead.

Oxford then produced a good period of play, but at the end of it all they had to show for it was a Hudson penalty.

With 20 minutes left both sides made a number of changes, which disrupted play.

And with six minutes to go, Roberts kicked his fourth penalty from in front of the posts to effectively seal the visitors’ fate.

The Dark Blues finished strongly, but Richmond held out.

Oxford are back in action with their first game at Iffley Road this term against Trinity College Dublin on Friday, October 11 (7.15).

Oxford University: Hudson, Lamont, Vallance, Turner, Hughes, Janney, Egerton, Irvine, Wisson, I Williams, Rickner, Rowlands, Harris, Heatchcote, Reeson-Price. Reps (all used): Barnes, Hannah, Patch, Macdonald, C Williams, Neil, S Williams.