CONFERENCE LEAGUE SOUTH

PROMOTED Oxford Cavaliers fell to an 80-18 opening day defeat at champions Sheffield Hallam Eagles.

Jack Mitchell landed 12 conversions for the Eagles, while Thomas Ashton helped himself to a four-try haul.

John Hale and Jonathan Burns ran in hat-tricks, while Tom Betteridge, Connor Scott, Scott Smith and Matthew Meek also crossed.

Cavaliers, who trailed 40-6 at half-time, managed touchdowns from Michael Dale and Wes Newton (2), all of which were improved by the boot of James Roden.