Oxford RL coach Tim Rumford will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself when they entertain Barrow Raiders at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham this weekend (5).

Last time out, Oxford, whose Iffley Road pitch is undergoing maintenance, lost 38-24 at University of Gloucestershire All Golds, and they return this weekend to the same venue to take on the Cumbrian outfit.

Rumford felt a slow start against All Golds cost his side.

“We had a bit of a hangover from the previous week and after the first 20 minutes we were 22-0 down,” said Rumford.

“I was fearing the worst, but the team showed a bit of character in the second half.

“If we’d have started the game more positively, we’d have come away with a win.

“Once we got playing in the second half we looked pretty fluent, but it was too late.”

Rumford added: “We know it’s going to be a tough proposition against Barrow, it always is against the northern teams.

“They will be looking to bounce back this week.

“They are what I’d call a straightforward side, they work very hard and are difficult to break down.

“But we need to get our own house in order after a couple of disappointing defeats and build a bit of a push towards the end of the season. We need a performance against Barrow.”

Oxford welcome back Josh Scott from GB armed forces duty, while Luke Evans and Jamie Milburn face late fitness checks.