Brian Ashton passed on tips to youngsters attending a coaching session at St Edward's School, Oxford on Monday Oxford University director of rugby Steve Hill believes his team are in good shape as their season begins in earnest.

The Dark Blues' 39-12 victory at Esher on Monday was their fifth in a row, but they now face Premiership sides Worcester, Gloucester, Saracens and Bristol in successive weeks.

Hill said: "The next three or four weeks are going to be a real step up.

"But we have five wins out of five and that will give us a lot of confidence to play Worcester next week.

"We have got to improve, but at least we are going forward from a position of strength."

He added: "It was a much-improved performance against Esher.

"Our first phase was much more secure and the other pleasing thing was that we got a lot of quick ball.

"A highlight for me was Peter Wright at No 8. That was the best game he has played for the Blues.

"He was involved in everything.

"We had another great 40 minutes from Sean Morris on the wing, who is in his first week at university.

"And Ross Swanson, at fly half, probably had the highest tackle count.

"We scored some cracking tries, some of the best we've scored this season.

"I think that will give the team a real belief.

"It wasn't perfect, but we had worked very hard on our set pieces and second phase.

"It was pleasing to see this pay off.

"I would say Esher were a stronger team than Moseley last week.

"When we were under a bit of pressure in the second half, we didn't panic."

One interested spectator was former England head coach Brian Ashton, who a year ago was preparing for the World Cup final.

Ashton, who is doing some coaching for the Dark Blues, watched them in action for the first time on Monday.

He said he would delay commenting on the team until later, but Hill said: "Brian was really pleased.

"He felt we had taken things he had said on board.

"We have a lot of positives to take out of the game.