A STIRRING second-half fightback saw Oxford University come up just short against Newport Gwent Dragons at Iffley Road last night.

The students, for whom Wasps prop Alex Lundberg guested at tight-head, trailed 20-6 after struggling in the first period, but showed real spirit after that before going down 20-18.

Dragons No 8 James Benjamin powered in for two tries during a dominant Dragons opening, fly half Steffan Jones kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Oxford skipper, fly half Jonathan Hudson, slotted two penalties, but the Dark Blues hardly threatened the Dragons’ 22 and Hudson was yellow-carded.

A difficult half was compounded by Dragons centre Lewis Roblin breaking through wing Matt Janney’s weak tackle to score try No 3.

Oxford’s pack fared better after the break and they were rewarded when No 9 Sam Egerton darted in to score.

The students maintained their pressure and scored again after Dragons replacement prop Joe Mills was sin-binned – sub hooker James Wisson ploughing over and Hudson converting for 20-18.

Oxford Univ: Doe (Cox 62), S Williams (Turner 62), Vallance*, Alexander-Neil (Taylor 67), Janney*, Hudson *# (capt), Egerton * (Shorthose 72), Irvine (Anderson* 44), Gardner* (Wisson 62), Lundberg (Symington 59), Greeff, Rowlands*, McGilchrist (Patch 62), A Macdonald, Heathcote. * Blue. # international.