Oxford University ground down the Major Stanley's XV with a powerful second-half display in their 34-17 victory at Iffley Road last night.

The students' lead was just 10-5 at half-time, but four second-half tries earned them a comfortable victory against a Stanley's side, who although devoid of stars were full of endeavour.

Full back Chris Mahony was Oxford's most dangerous attacking player, gaining ground every time he received the ball and tackling solidly in defence.

This was not always an entertaining encounter, but there was enough quality on offer to please a crowd, who braved freezing conditions.

The game was barely a minute old when Stanley's centre Werner Van Pittius was knocked out after being tackled on half way.

Fortunately he soon came round and was helped off to be replaced by Oxford Harlequins star Andy Henley.

The Dark Blues dominated the early exchanges and opened the scoring on 11 minutes when flanker Peter Wright was driven over on the right wing.

It was 10-0 three minutes later when Joe Roff and Mahony combined to set up try No 2 for lock Bert Payne.

Stanley's were soon rolling on their replacements, but it was No 8 Tom Hayman who had their best chance with a barnstorming run that Mahony stopped with a useful tackle.

Lock Henry Head wasted another Stanley's chance with a knock on inside the Oxford 22, while Roff was held up at the other end.

Centre Euan Sadden looked to have scored Oxford's third try, but was recalled for a forward pass.

Stanley's replacement Mark Preston, another Oxford Harlequin, was stopped just short, but their pressure paid off with Ross Lavery crossing on the right.

The Dark Blues replaced their entire front row at the break and prop Kevin Davis was soon driven over.

A period of sevens-esque rugby ended with wing Tom Tombleson bagging Oxford's fourth try, which Roff converted.

Wasps flier Dave Doherty sprinted clear for Stanley's on 61 minutes, with James Whittingham converting.

Hooker Dan Rosen soon plunged over for Oxford following Roff's off-load and Mahony's break with Roff converting.

Quins flanker Chris Alcock proved another effective Stanley's replacement when he powered through after a loose Oxford lineout.

The final scoring act saw Tombleson finish on the left after a slick handling move.

Oxford director of rugby Steve Hill said: "We laid the foundations really well in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

"I'm really pleased with our conditioning. We are finishing games strongly."

Oxford University: Mahony, Boto, Sadden (Gregory 57), Roff (capt), Tombleson, McMahon, McKerchar (Henry 57), Allhusen (Davis 40), Cowie (Rosen 40), Lutton (Matthews 40), Payne (Chance 40), Alexander, Wright, Clarke, Jackson (Ackroyd 54).

Major Stanley's XV: Slade, Doherty, Lavery, Van Pittius, Dixon, Whittingham, McMillan, Laffin, Moyce, Lewis, Harris, Head, Bucknall, Bental, Hayman (capt). Reps all used: Webber, Catt, Beech, Rowe, Preston, Henley, Mezger, Burrows, Alcock.

Man-of-the-match: Mahony.

Our picture shows Oxford wing Tom Tombleson (right) stopping Stanley's flier Dave Doherty in his tracks during last night's encounter.