Oxford University Women 3, Cambridge University Women 0

OXFORD University avenged last year's heavy defeat to beat Cambridge in a tense Women's Varsity Match at Twickenham.

Captain Catherine Wilcock's first-half penalty proved enough as the Dark Blues survived a nervy finish to end a two-match winless run.

It was a far cry from their 52-0 defeat 12 months ago, with Oxford dominating the opening stages.

Full back Sophie Trott made two telling carries to force Cambridge back and Wilcock's penalty gave the Dark Blues a 3-0 lead on 16 minutes.

Oxford were unable to add to their lead before the break, but it was the least they deserved.

Cambridge improved in the second half, but up until the hour mark struggled to really make an impression.

The Light Blues continued to pile on the pressure and Trott made three try-saving tackles to deny Laura Suggitt, Sophie Farrant and Lara Gibson.

Oxford needed more resolute defending in the dying moments and they held on to claim victory.

Oxford University: Trott, Bunting (Robson 35), Ashilokun, Copley, Rose, Wilcock, Bliss, Smith, Metcalfe-Jones, Peker, Robinson, van Heerden, Odgers, McArdle, Behan.

Reps: Cartwright, Matte-Gregory, McCay, Taylor, MacGinty, Duffy, Martinovic.

Cambridge University: Middleton, Suggitt, Coleman (Farrant 37), Charlton, Gibson, Marks (Evans 46, Marks 51, Evans 88), Byrne, Elgar, Pierce, Nunez-Mulder, Johannsson (Sanchez-Schilliing 77), Probert, Weckman, Withers, Pratt.

Reps: Brickel, Bramley, Burgess, Monks.