Rugby: Second defeat ends Twickenham dream

Oxon's second successive away defeat in the County Shield means they now need to beat favourites North Midlands - with a good points difference - at Chinnor on Saturday to avoid the drop to the County Plate.

The visitors fielded their heaviest ever pack for the game, but lacked penetration in the backs, losing the try count two to one.

Trailing 12-0 at the break, Oxon did improve in the second period and earned the praise of their coach John Brodley.

He said: "We've made massive demands on the players an we are so proud and grateful for their commitment to the county.

"Our game plan was sound, with superb mauling, patient build up, but the Cumbrian backs proved the deciding factor.

"After two ridiculously long journeys in successive weeks, it's going to be a real pleasure to round off our campaign with a home game at Chinnor this Saturday.

"But how narrow the difference between success and failure?

"From dreams of Twickenham, we now have to beat the favourites and by enough points to avoid relegation. It's going to be another exciting day's rugby."

Two tries and a conversion saw Cumbria in command at the interval, but the Oxon fightback began shortly afterwards.

Left wing Eric Brown crossed over for a try after 46 minutes and fly-half James Cathcart converted to make it 12-7.

Numerous penalty chances came Cathcart's way, but all were shunned in favour of tap penalties to create try-scoring opportunities.

These were thwarted by the stout home defence.

Cathcart did add one penalty late on, but was outdone by his opposite number who managed two.

It was a brave fightback, but the deserved spoils went to Cumbria.

Oxon (Chinnor unless stated): B Thompson (Nottingham), R Grimsdell, J Hewitt, C Shaw (R Williams, Grove), E Brown (N Grimsdell), J Cathcart, M Thompson, S Matthews, A Cawston, (D Goddard, Leics Univ), J Winpenny, T Cox (London Welsh), M Hutchins, A Smith (Army), A Milburn, A Tibbetts (Newbury) capt.