OXFORD Cavaliers climbed to the top of the West of England League when beating Cheltenham Phoenix 44-28 at home.

Robert Tyreman (2), captain Arron Lambourne (2), Jamie Cummings, Sam Currie, Will Carroll and Garin Nicholls crossed as the hosts ran in eight tries at Merton.

The win helped Cavaliers continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Cheltenham headed into the match as the league’s early pacesetters, but were unable to make the most of early handling errors from the home side.

Having cut out the mistakes, Cavaliers punished their visitors when Tyreman went over in the corner and Lambourne added the extras.

It was soon 10-0 as Cummings crossed for an unconverted try.

Cavaliers continued in the same vein and went on to open up a 20-0 lead.

Tyreman went over for his second try, before debutant Currie crossed, Lambourne converting the second.

Cheltenham replied on the stroke of half-time to cut Oxford’s advantage to 14 points.

The visitors started the second period strongly and further reduced the home side’s lead with two quick tries.

But Cavaliers bounced back to make it 26-18 when Carroll, also making his debut, crossed, Lambourne adding the extra two points.

Cheltenham replied again, but the home side all but put the game to bed thanks to a brace of tries from Lambourne, who converted both of his own scores to put the hosts 38-22 in front.

Phoenix refused to lie down and cut the arrears to ten points, however Cavaliers had the final say.

Nicholls dived over for his first try for the club, Lambourne converting, to complete the scoring.