Esher 8,

Oxford University 40

Oxford University warmed up for next week’s Varsity Match by completing a hat-trick of victories with an emphatic win at Esher last night.

Following on from their triumphs over Major Stanley’s XV and Sydney University, the Dark Blues ran in six tries to cruise home.

And they also had the luxury of being able to make multiple changes to rest players ahead of their big clash with Cambridge University at Twickenham on Thursday week.

Jacob Taylor, playing at fly half in place of the rested John Hudson, opened the scoring with a try in the 17th minute.

The Australian, who usually showcases his running talents from full back, added the conversion.

Captain John Carter then picked up from the base of the scrum 15 metres out, and charged over the line unopposed.

Taylor again added the conversion.

Esher, who got on the scoreboard with a kick between the posts, reduced the deficit two minutes before half-time when their right wing raced in from 40 metres, making the score 14-8.

Oxford rang the changes at half-time. Full back Ed Doe scored their third try, and took over the kicking duties from the rested Taylor to convert it.

Replacement prop James Wisson, on for Lewis Anderson, was next to score with a good ball-carrying effort, which saw him go over the line with two defenders clinging on in vain.

Doe once again added the conversion.

Another replacement, Fraser Heathcote, on for Nick Gardner at hooker, then got in on the act, finishing off a good move, involving forwards and backs, out wide.

And Oxford rounded off a strong all-round team performance when replacement scrum half Jack Davidson, on for Sam Egerton, sniped over from a ruck from five metres.

Doe added his third conversion.