OXFORD Rugby League were condemned to their third loss of the season as they went down to a battling 36-20 defeat at high-flying Newcastle Thunder in Kingstone Press League 1.

Dave Peterson and Danny Thomas touched down in the first half to cancel out Jason Tali’s brace of tries as Oxford trailed by two points at the break.

Thunder moved up a gear after half-time and five tries in the second period saw them earn the victory.

After four games, Oxford are third from bottom with two points.

The Blues face 13th-placed London Skolars at Iffley Road on Sunday.

Skolars are level on points with Oxford, but the Blues have a superior points difference.

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Tali’s early brace of tries, converted by Dayne Craig, gave Thunder a 12-0 lead after ten minutes.

Heavy rain before the match led to both sides struggling in the slippery conditions.

However, two scores in the latter stages of the half ensured Oxford went into the break just two points behind.

Peterson and Thomas crossed for the Blues, with Nathan Kitson converting one of the scores.

After half-time, a purple period for Thunder laid the foundations for their fourth victory of the season.

Stuart Kain dotted down following a well weighted chip through from Josh Stoker, before Craig and Jordan Meads bagged two tries in as many minutes.

Craig added the extras to make it 28-10.

Oxford weren’t about to lie down though and reduced the deficit to 12 points on the hour mark.

Sean Morris rose highest on a lifted ball to score the Blues’ third try.

In an error riddled final quarter, Oxford pressed hard for further scores to bring them back into contention, but they were unable break through Thunder’s resolute defence.

They were to rue their lack of cutting edge when Newcastle put the game beyond doubt with another two tries in three minutes.

First, a second score for Craig on 72 minutes, followed by an acrobatic finish from Tom Capper to seal the points.

However, the visitors would have the final word.

Oxford combined well down the near touchline to send Morris clear and away from 60 meters out for a consolation try.

OXFORD have released a statement on Twitter following the death of Keighley Cougars' Danny Jones on Sunday.

The 29-year-old suffered a suspected cardiac arrest against London Skolars.

The Wales international was treated by the match doctor and paramedics, before he was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in London.

He leaves behind his five-month-old twins, wife and family.

Oxford’s tribute reads: “We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Danny Jones’ family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”