Worcester 29,

Oxford University 18

OXFORD Universirty RFC were given a severe test in all aspects of the game against a full Premiership Division 2 side which included two internationals - Sateki Tuipulotu, the Tongan World Cup full back, and Australian hooker Marco Caputo, who plays for Italy.

The Dark Blues suffered a blow before the kick-off with captain Norman Celliers failing a late fitness test on his injured knee. His place was taken by Richard Heaslip.

Oxford fly half Scott Weenink opened and closed the first half with two penalties.

But in between, the visitors were totally outplayed as Worcester scored three tries, two conversions and one penalty to take a 22-6 half-time lead.

Dave Kelaher, last year's Blues captain, started the second half which saw Oxford mount an excellent recovery.

In the 60th minute, following a scintillating 55-metre kick and chase by James Platt, prop Andy Collins crashed over for a try converted by Weenink.

Worcester replied with a converted try before Oxford gained just reward for some excellent back play when winger Platt scored a try in the corner.

Oxford Univ: Graham, Platt, Shuman, Kinniburgh, Danielli, Weenink, Weston (capt), Jeffreys, Parker, Collins, Russell, Sherriff, Hallett, Bolger (Kelaher 40), Heaslip (Miall 76).

FORMER England scrum half Andy Gomarsall, who played his formative rugby at Bicester, returns to his home county next Wednesday when he plays for Major Stanley's XV in their annual game against Oxford University at Iffley Road.

Gomarsall, who now plays his club rugby for Bedford, lines up alongside former Wales stars Bob Norster and Glyn Llewellyn and Tonga international Kuli Faletau.

Story date: Thursday 04 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.