OXFORD Cavaliers scored ten tries as they started their season with a flourish when impressively beating Portsmouth Seahawks 52-28 away from home.

The visitors conceded a number of early penalties in the West of England Pool B encounter, with the hosts breaking the deadlock with a try.

Cavaliers levelled when captain Arron Lambourne converted his own score, only for Portsmouth to make it 12-6.

Oxford hit back again, though, as Harry Gillett crashed over and Lambourne added the extras.

Debutant Mikhail Ushakoff, Josh Harwood and Louis Richards then crossed, Lambourne converting the latter, to put the visitors 26-12 ahead.

Cavaliers continued their dominance and Gillett scored his second try, Lambourne adding the extras.

A Portsmouth player was sent off for a punch, forcing the hosts to complete the fixture with 12 men.

The visitors made it 38-12 at the break when Doug Chirnside went over, Lambourne converting.

Cavaliers piled on the pressure after half-time and Lambourne crossed for his second try, before converting Myles Everett’s score.

Seahawks hit back with a couple of tries.

However, Oxford had the last say on a dominant afternoon when Stu Waknell touched down for try No 10.