Oxford RL had a baptism of fire at Halifax, going down to a 54-12 defeat in their Tetley's Challenge Cup third-round tie.

It was always going to be a tough task against the table-topping Championship team, especially as Oxford had played only one competitive game the previous weekend.

Halifax opened the scoring with Steve Tyrer bursting over after four minutes. The centre’s conversion drifted wide, but he atoned moments later when he sent winger Lee Paterson over to score.

Again, Tyrer’s kick went inches wide, but he was on target soon after when Luke Adamson breezed over to make it 14-0.

This soon became 20-0 when Dane Manning powered in for Tyrer to convert. Oxford never gave up and continued to work hard in defence against a well-drilled and experienced side.

On 29 minutes, Keith Holden scored with his first touch of the ball after a Sam Barlow break, and then full back Freddie Walker touched down.

Both tries were converted by Tyrer for a 32-0 lead at the break. Oxford came out fighting in the second half and were rewarded after two minutes with a try from Alex Thompson after good work by John Clough. Johnny Leather kicked the conversion to make the score 32-6.

But just as Oxford were starting to get a foothold in the game, Halifax struck again with a try from Callum Casey after good work by Paul Handforth. Tyrer’s conversion made it 38-6.

Handforth started and finished the next try after an exchange of passes, and the same player then put in a delightful kick over the top before gathering to score. Tyrer converted.

Walker notched his second try and Wayne Reittie also touched down, Tyrer converted for 54-6.

However, Oxford had the last word when Chris Clarke fired a great pass to Dave Ellison, who went over under the posts with Leather adding the conversion to make the final score 54-12.

Oxford: Leather; Crabtree, Johnson, Hoggins, Robinson; Connick, Connaugh-ton; Ellison, Roden, Clarke, McGrory, Bentley, Thompson. Subs: Clough, Osborn, Hadden, Fiander.