OXFORD Cavaliers launched a superb comeback to earn a 32-32 draw against Somerset Vikings in the first match at their new Merton home.
Despite trailing 28-6 at half-time, Rob Tyreman’s quick-fire hat-trick helped them claim a point in the West of England League fixture.
Cavaliers led 6-0 when Louis Richards converted his own try.
But Somerset went on to dominate possession and crossed five times go 22 points ahead at the break.
However, Richards converted his own try for the second time to reduce the arrears.
And the comeback was well and truly on when Tyreman scored a hat-trick of tries in the space of ten minutes, Richards adding two conversions to make it 28-28.
Somerset replied to go four points in front, but Matt Stark’s late try levelled the match once more.
Richards had a chance to win it, but his conversion attempt went just wide.
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