Oxford University produced an impressive second half display to see off some stern resistance in a 33-14 win away to Exeter United at Sandy Lane last night.

Exeter United, a mixture of the Chiefs' first team squad and the academy led 14-12 at half-time against a disjointed Dark Blues.

But the visitors, inspired by wing Tom Tombleson, turned around with renewed vigour to score 21 unanswered points.

Oxford began with real purpose as centre Euan Sadden led the early charges.

It was no surprise when they scored on five minutes when full back Chris Mahony finished a move he started himself by stretching over.

Exeter's forwards were soon flexing their muscles, however, and hooker Simon Jenkins was driven over from a maul that started on the edge of Oxford's 22.

Fly half Dan Antonelli converted and the game became much tighter.

Jenkins's lineout throwing was erratic to say the least and he almost gifted flanker Simon Ackroyd a try on 12 minutes.

He hadn't learnt his lesson seven minutes later as another loose throw allowed Dark Blues skipper Joe Roff (pictured) to power through from close range.

Fly half Craig McMahon converted, but Oxford couldn't seize control.

It was no surprise that Exeter's second try came from a catch-and-drive, although this time No 8 Jamie Fleming broke clear to dive over, Antonelli converting.

A disappointing half for Oxford ended with McMahon knocking on from an innocuous high ball.

Changing their entire front row at half-time proved successful for the visitors as they kept Exeter pinned back.

Lock John Chance was just held up, but Oxford retook the lead on 46 minutes with a McMahon penalty.

Exeter conceded a penalty try three minutes later when Tombleson was taken out as he chase his grubber kick towards the line and McMahon converted for 22-14.

The hosts spent most of the half defending and conceded two more penalties, which McMahon kicked on 66 and 71 minutes.

Oxford's final try after 74 minutes was worth waiting for as the impressive Tombleson sliced through midfield at great pace and fed supporting winger Jonan Boto for an easy finish.

Mahony started a dynamic counter-attack from near his own try line late on, but in the end it was a workmanlike victory for the Dark Blues.

Exeter Utd: Scott, Hockedy, Bedford (Hough 66), Ward (Bardis 66), Elliott, Antonelli, Reeves, Bennett (Grove 66), Jenkins (Freeman 72), Horn-Smith (Sturgess 51), Skelding, Bentley, Clayton (Rickner 66), Miller, Fleming.

Oxford Univ: Mahony, Boto, Sadden (Humphry-Baker 57), Roff (capt), Tombleson, McMahon, McKerchar (Henry blood 28-39 & 69), Davis (Tomaszczyk 40), Rosen (Cowie 40), Lutton (Matthews 40, Lutton blood 43-54)), Chance, Alexander (Payne 66), Wright, Ackroyd, Jackson (Davies 48).

Referee: Andy Bickell.

Oxford man-of-the-match: Tombleson.