OXFORD RL were outpowered in their last game at their temporary home ground of Pennine Way in Hemel Hempstead as they were beaten 54-16 by Rochdale in Kingstone Press League 1.

Iffley Road is being resurfaced, but will be ready for the Blues’ next home game.

Rochdale showed their experience after a testing opening for Oxford, who were late arriving at the ground, causing the start to be delayed by 30 minutes.

Hornets took the lead on 12 minutes through Brad Hargreaves, who scored in the right corner. Paul Crook added the extras.

Oxford hit back when Lee Land scored his first for the club after wrestling off four defenders to touch down on the line. Nathan Kitson levelled with a successful conversion.

But Hornets burst clear before half-time.

Jordan Case, Michael Ratu, Dave Hull, Danny Yates, Dale Bloomfield and Alex McClurg all crossed for tries, and Crook added three goals to put Rochdale in total charge.

Oxford, to their credit, kept plugging away and were rewarded with a try when Danny Thomas broke through under the sticks. Kitson then twice added the extras.

However, they were caught on the counter, first when James Dandy scored and then Matty Fozzard dummied his way over.

Bloomfield notched his second try by outjumping his opposite man to touch down, and Crook added the extras.

Oxford grabbed a consolation try when Andy Speake’s smart kick to the corner saw Luke Gardiner touch down. This time Kitson missed his kick.

Meanwhile, Thomas has been called up by Jamaica for matches against the United States and Canada.

Thomas said: “I’m really proud to be in the squad and I will be linking up with a few lads from Keighley Cougars who we’ve played against this year.

“I’ve represented the Reggae Boys before and the rivalry between us, USA and Canada is big.”