University of Gloucestershire 30 Oxford University 22
THE University of Gloucestershire took a huge step towards the Premier South title after a hard-fought win against a much-improved Oxford side.
The reverse fixture saw a comfortable win for the varsity All Golds but any ideas the home side had it would be as simple were diminished after only two minutes when Oxford University scored a try, which was converted from a tight angle.
Things got worse for the hosts only three minutes later when indecision under the high ball saw Oxford seize possession only five yards from the goal line.
After two tackles, Oxford broke through the All Golds' defence to score and race into a 10-0 advantage.
The home team were under huge pressure and knew they could not afford to concede another score so early.
After spending the opening 10 minutes defending in their own half, the Varsity All Golds slowly built some attacking momentum and fresh from his run out for the first team, Nathan Rainer scored the their first try of the game.
Straight from the re-start, the Varsity All Golds surged up the field and scored another try, when half back Liam Rice-Wilson went over.
James Mason's conversion squared it up at 10-10.
Oxford refused to lie down and an inability to defend the high ball cost the home side again, resulting in a converted try for the visitors.
It looked like the hosts would go in at half-time behind, but they managed to level the scores when second row Ash Haynes went over.
The extra two points were added from the boot of James Mason, who had a 50 per cent conversion rate from his six attempts.
The first score of the second half would be crucial and after great handling and running from Jamie Crowther, he found full-back Hanley Dawson, who accelerated smartly past the last Oxford defender to score the try of the game.
Oxford were now tiring and the varsity All Golds struck a crucial blow.
On the hour, it was Oxford who spilled a high ball leaving Cieran Chester free to extend the home side's lead to 26-16 after another fine conversion from James Mason.
Oxford set up a tense finish after scoring a converted try on 70 minutes.
With 10 minutes left, there was only four points in it.
The game was decided in the final minute when man-of-the-match Jamie Crowther's fine run enabled him to coast home to the line.
Relief for the home side who, after a slow start, finished much the stronger of the two teams.
This win means the University of Gloucestershire head into the final round top of the table and travel to Loughborough tomorrow knowing their title destiny is in their own hands.
