OXFORD RL head coach Tony Benson said the club were delighted by their first home crowd at Iffley Road.

Some 352 fans watched Oxford’s Kingstone Press Championship One clash with South Wales Scorpions on Saturday.

Benson said there had been plenty of positives in the 22-20 defeat, not least the support.

“I think the most exciting thing for us was the crowd,” he said. “Considering the rugby union season is still on and the university wasn’t back, it was very encouraging.

“The great thing about the crowd was that they were all having a great time.

“They were really loud and got behind us. It was a great atmosphere.”

Oxford have played only three competitive matches in their debut season, but already the signs are good, according to Benson.

“I think the whole thing has taken off,” he said.

“The players have developed really well and picked things up.

“Already they don’t look out of place.”

Benson added: “I think we have come on really well. We weren’t expecting to be going as well as we are.

“We are sitting fourth in the table, which is pretty good for a new team.”

Benson felt Oxford were the better team for much of their narrow defeat to South Wales and could have won with a bit more luck.

“It just came down to a few penalties,” he said.

“The defence was pretty good and we just missed one kick at the end.”

Oxford are without a match this weekend as it is the Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth round, but they are away to Oldham on Sunday, April 28.

“It has been a very positive start,” said Benson.

“There will be some serious training going on this weekend to be ready for our next match.”

  • OXFORD hooker John Clough and second row Valu Bentley were named in the Premier Sports Championship One Team of the Week for their displays against South Wales.