A strong second-half display spurred Oxford to a decisive 38-24 victory over Gloucestershire All Golds in Kingstone Press Championship One at Iffley Road yesterday.

The hosts were looking to build on their famous win away to York, but it was the visitors who took the lead after nine minutes, with a try from Phil Cowburn in the left corner, converted by Steven Rodgers.

Worse was to come when Aidan Jenkins held off two defenders to go over for a try. Rodgers’s conversion made it 12-0.

Oxford were back in the game when good work from Sam Blaney put Callum Mulkeen over for a try, which Jimmy Rowland converted.

The hosts levelled the scores on 26 minutes when captain Alex Thompson burrowed over from close range, Rowland adding the extras.

All Golds regained the lead when Craig Cook went in under the posts, for Rogers to convert.

But Oxford ensured that they would go into half-time level when a fantastic break by Sean Morris took his side upfield, and a quick play put in JJ Baird. Rowland kicked the conversion to tie it up at 18-18.

The hosts came out a different side in the second half and scored a try through Michael Crabtree, who ran the length of the field to touch down.

Oxford took charge of the match and further tries were added in quick succession by Yannic Parker, a second for Baird and finally Crabtree, who also grabbed his second of the match.

The visitors scored a consolation try on 77 minutes through Elliott, with Rodgers converting to leave the final score at 38-24 and move Oxford into fifth place in the table.