Oxford Rugby League’s first home league match turned out to be a classic as they were pipped 22-20 by South Wales Scorpions in front of 352 fans at Iffley Road.

The game was played in rain throughout as the sides matched each other try for try for the entire 80 minutes, and in the end it was the kicking of Courtney Davies that proved decisive.

Oxford deserved a draw – and almost got it. They scored their fourth try in the final minute and had Jonny Leather landed the conversion, they would have picked up two points rather than their solitary bonus.

Scorpions struck first on 12 minutes. Steve Parry sent a grubber kick under the sticks, which took a lucky bounce off a post to fall nicely for James Greenwood. Davies added the conversion.

On 21 minutes, Oxford scored their first home try in the league through Valu Bentley. Danny Price was the creator when he put up a fine kick, which was knocked back and picked up by Bentley, who touched down for Leather to convert.

Scorpions led again on the half-hour after good work by Davies, whose kick through caused havoc in the Oxford defence and Shae Lyon-Fraser pounced on the loose ball to score, with Davies converting.

Oxford hit back close to half-time, when Sean Morris went in at the corner after excellent work from John Clough,who picked up his own kick over the top to release Morris. Leather’s conversion attempt failed.

Matt Fiander went close to a third try for Oxford but was stopped on the line, so the Welshmen took a slender two-point lead at the interval.

They extended their advantage on 57 minutes after Tommy Connick’s kick was charged down by Rhodri Lloyd, who picked up a loose ball to score.

Oxford rallied once again in the 65th minute after Leather sprinted almost the length of the field, converting his own try to level the scores again.

Back came Scorpions with six minutes remaining as Chris Leyshon scored wide out and Davies kicked the tricky conversion.

The drama continued right into the final minute when Shaun Robinson scored in the corner, which meant Leather had a chance to earn Oxford a share of the spoils, but he dragged his effort wide of the left upright.

Oxford coach Tony Benson said: “It was a very good atmosphere and a good place to be “It was an exciting game and there was good attack and defence from both sides.

“The team showed signs of progress. I thought we were pretty strong defensively, but we did panic a little on their try line.

“South Wales played better in the conditions, and we need to come out on top in these games as we progress through the season.

“However, considering this is only our third competitive game, there are a lot of positives to take out of it.”

Oxford: Leather, Johnson, Fiander, Morris, Robinson, Connick, Price, Clarke, Roden, Ellison, Halliwell, Bentley, Thompson. Subs (all used) Hadden, Osborn, Clough, Hoggins.