Team was Paxton: Macani, Tuffour, Tabb, Carty; Gigot, Bradley; Williams, O'Connor, Purslow, Pelo, Bryan, Worrincey Subs: Smith, Thomas, Sykes, MacDonald
A disappointing result given the pre-season hopes. After the draw last year worried that Oxford may turn into a bit of a bogey side for us. It was a pretty horrible day and whoever scored first was always liable to stay ahead throughout the game given the conditions. Oxford had the best player on the pitch in Sean Morris who scored 2 of their 3 tries. They also had an excellent kicking game from Jimmy Rowland, which with a gutsy defensive effort always just kept them ahead.
As expected the Skolars' strength was in the forwards but a couple of early injuries disrupted things. It was also a little perplexing to see Thomas and Sykes stay on the bench throughout the first half. In the three quarters Macani came in on dual reg and Tuffour is back in the south after a tour of northern clubs. I had always seen him rather as a winger. No idea about the other two.
The other dual reg was Gigot who had a pretty disastrous game. I'm not anti dual reg if there is consistency in it, but dropping a bloke into a play making role at the last minute hardly seems to benefit either player or team for mine.
So overall disappointing albeit the trip was great. The Skolars Express took in a great city with great pubs and a charismatic ground. Can't wait until out return trip in June. The team will improve but could find itself now well behind the eight ball with Oldham and Hunslet up next
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