OXFORD University began their 2014 programme with a 36-16 victory over the RAF at Iffley Road last night.

The Airmen took the lead with a penalty from fly half Andy Byrne, but the Dark Blues hit back when Matt Janney, who enjoyed an excellent game, cut through to send Jacob Taylor under the posts.

Taylor added the conversion. Byrne slotted another penalty before Oxford struck before the break as No 8 Zandy Macdonald touched down from a five metre scrum to make it 12-6 at the interval.

With two men in the sin-bin early in the second half, the RAF struggled to contain a rampant Blues side and were blown away in a ten-minute spell that produced three tries.

Both centres, Henry Hughes and Janney, went over, plus Freshman Chris Williams. Taylor converted two.

The RAF hit back with an unconverted try, but the students added a sixth try when Sam Dumigan’s speculative inside pass was eagerly gobbled up by full back Pietie Olivier.

Winger Toby Mann had the last word for the Airmen with a try wide out.

Oxford University: Anderson (Irvine), Gardner, Hannah, Mac Gilchrist, Heathcote, Morlet, Williams, Macdonald (Beale), Shorthose, Taylor, Arras, Janney, Hughes, Doe, Olivier.

Meanwhile, holders Chinnor 2nd lost their grip on the Oxfordshire Cup when they went down 6-3 to Oxford Harlequins at Kingsey Road.

All the points came from penalties, Zac Norris notching two for Quins, with Alex Stevenson replying.