Domino's Oxford Saints maintained their unbeaten record thanks to their finest defensive performance of the season in a 19-0 victory over Ipswich Cardinals at Oxford Rugby Club on Sunday.

They now have six wins and still lead the Southern Conference of British Senior League Division 2.

Wayne Mayers

Defensive end John Barclay starred for the second successive match, scoring the game's first touchdown after intercepting a deflected pass.

In all, Oxford's defence recorded five interceptions and prevented the Cardinals from scoring even though they reached the Saints' ten-yard line on three occasions.

Ipswich could have taken the lead in the second quarter, but a 41-yard field goal attempt was wide right.

The Cardinals threatened again shortly afterwards, but Saints outside linebacker Richard Davies hit quarterback Ian Girling as he released his pass and it lobbed gently into Barclay's hands.

No-one touched him as he sprinted 47 yards to the end zone.

In the third quarter, Saints put together their best drive of the game which culminated in running back Brian Myers scoring on a seven-yard run. Davies's extra point kick was blocked but the Saints led 12-0.

The match was decided in the fourth quarter when safety Iain Noakes intercepted a Girling pass and returned it 58 yards, only to be tackled one yard short of scoring.

Fullback Tony Porter put the result beyond doubt seconds later with a one-yard run. Davies added the extra point.