OXFORD Saints were knocked off the top of Southern Conference West Division 2 with a narrow 42-41 defeat at new leaders Bristol Apache.

Earlier in the season, Saints had pulled off a remarkable 35-34 victory at home to Bristol after coming from behind, but they were unable to repeat the feat.

They made the perfect start, with tight end James Walter crossing and Spencer Duffy kicking the extras to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

Bristol hit back when Jon Walters raced through and Nathan Royce added the extra point to level, with the pair again combining to put the hosts 14-7 up at the end of the first quarter.

Saints restored parity immediately after the restart when Grant Tebb touched down and Duffy successfully kicked the extra point.

Wide receiver Frederick Marshall claimed a long-range pass from Alex DeCaro to put Bristol back in front and Royce added the extras to restore their seven-point advantage, but again it was short-lived.

Quarterback Ben Denton led Oxford’s steady advance up the field before picking out tight end Rich Bloomer in the end zone with a nineyard pass, with Duffy sending the sides into half-time on level terms at 21-21 with a successful kick.

The home side made a devastating start to the third quarter, reestablishing their lead when DeCaro finished off a quick charge upfield.

Royce’s kick for the extra point was good and he added another to give Bristol a decisive 35-21 lead after another DeCaro touchdown.

Saints rallied and hit back when Grant Tebb sprinted clear of the Bristol defence to complete a 58-yard touchdown, but Duffy missed the chance to reduce the deficit further, sliding his kick narrowly wide.

Walter then brought Saints back within reach of their hosts, crossing from 15 yards out to make it 35-33, but he was unable to find his way over for the two-point conversion which would have levelled the scores.

Instead it was Bristol who extended their lead courtesy of a third touchdown from DeCaro and Royce maintained his perfect kicking record to open up a nine-point lead.

Denton picked out veteran receiver Sam Armstrong in his stride as Saints again rallied and the ball was then quickly handed off to Walter, who broke through the Bristol line to add two more points.

With the score at 42-41 the final quarter was a nervy affair, but Apache successfully contained Oxford to take victory and condemn Saints to just their second defeat of the season.