Oxford University completed their build-up for next week's Varsity Match at Twickenham with their third victory in a row, but they were given a mighty fright as they only scraped home 23-20 away to Loughborough University on Saturday.
Normally this contest provides the Dark Blues with an easy victory, but determined Loughborough provided a terrific test and pushed the Blues all the way.
Indeed, it was only another first-class piece of finishing by exciting winger Will Rubie in the last five minutes that spared Oxford's blushes.
American lock forward Adam Russell, hoping to become the first Oxford player ever to feature in four consecutive Varsity Match wins over Cambridge, scored two tries.
Their remaining points came from the boot of fly half Matt Honeyben, before he, like fellow flu victim Ben Durham, were withdrawn in the second half.
Centre Andrew Willett, who has been out for three weeks with a thigh strain, played for 20 minutes, and is expected to be named in the side for next Tuesday's Varsity Match which was due to be announ- ced later today.
Full story in tomorrow's Sportsmail (Tues).
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