OXFORD University conceded eight tries in falling to a 50-0 defeat to Northampton Wanderers at Iffley Road.

The Aviva A League side's pace and physicality proved a real test for the hosts, who are still honing their defensive capabilities.

Winger Tom Collins, in particular, impressed with a hat-trick of tries for the visitors, while Fergus Taylor was held up late on as the Dark Blues pushed for a score their hard work merited.

Wanderers started brightly, immediately putting the students on the back foot.

Pressure told after just three minutes when Rory Hutchinson found a gap and the ball was recycled for Lewis Ludlam to cross. Sam Olver missed the conversion.

It was soon 12-0 as Collins's break had the students on the ropes and Jordan Onojaife went over. Olver added the extras.

The Dark Blues were having to defend phase after energy-sapping phase, but handling errors and a lack of patience started to cost Northampton.

However, two tries were added before the break as Collins raced over from 40 metres.

A defensive lapse then allowed Nafi Tuitavake to collect Olver's kick and go over. Olver converted to make it 24-0 at the break.

Wanderers extended their lead within 20 seconds of the restart as Sion Bennett crossed and Olver added the extras.

The Dark Blues enjoyed a bit of territory, but Wanderers regained the initiative and Collins crossed on 50 minutes. Olver converted to make it 38-0.

Oxford continued to dig deep, only for the visitors to catch them on the break.

Bennett broke through and although he was caught, Howard Packman went over in plenty of space out wide for an unconverted try.

The game became disjointed and scrappy following a number of replacements, which suited Oxford.

But there was still time for Wanderers to go over again on 75 minutes.

Collins ran on to his own kick forward and outpaced Matt Geiger to dot down for his hat-trick. James Grayson added the extras to complete the scoring.

Oxford pushed for a try late on, but they could not force their way over.

Oxford University: Geiger, Barley, Hughes, Hogg, Stileman, Strang, de Berker, Ball, Thornton, Lu, Taylor, Grant, Marsden, Blomfield, Beaufils.

Reps: Miller, Scaife, Anderson, McPherson, Adams, Henry, Kershaw, McGagh, Dyer.