OXFORD’S rugby players began the season in fine form with an undefeated tour of the USA in September.
The Blues defeated a New York Athletic Club side twice in two days before walloping the All-American Collegiate XV 44-0 at West Point Military Academy.
The comprehensive nature of the victories in America bode well for Oxford as they look to win a Varsity match for the first time since 2004. After an initial 24-7 victory over NYAC on 16th September, the Blues really hit their straps the following day running out 43-7 winners against the US side.
Jon Chance, Peter Clarke and Chris Haw all landed two tries each, with Tim Catling also grabbing a score.
Captain Joe Roff’s side’s fine form continued five days later with a further seven tries scored in difficult conditions, ending the tour on a resounding high note.
Upon returning home, Oxford’s fine early-season form continued with a resounding 48-14 victory over Japanese side Kanto Gaukin University. Left wing Euan Sadden produced a performance to remember, scoring a hat-trick of tries to help the Blues recover from going 7-0 down early on.
With further tries from Tom Tombleson, Anthony Jackson and Chance, fly-half Craig McMahon slotted four conversions to ease Oxford home in their first game at Iffley Road this season.
They next face Trinity College, Dublin, on Saturday at Iffley Road, kick-off 12.00 noon.
Blues Teach Americans a Lesson on Tour
