Oxfordshire's hopes of reaching the final of this competition were dashed in the final quarter of their competitive semi-final away to Durham at Darlington on Saturday.

With 20 minutes left, Oxon were leading 21-15 and eyeing a place in the final of a national competition for the second time.

But the powerful hosts took charge with two converted tries, and despite a brave rally, Oxon just failed.

After a long-range penalty from Oxon’s James Cathcart narrowly missed, Durham took the lead on ten minutes when an attempted kick through rebounded straight into centre David Astle's hands, and he scored from 40 yards.

Oxon were not behind for long, a good handling movement leading to winger Jackson Sayce going over in the corner.

This try was followed by another from Huw Jones, after a searing Martin Nutt break, Cathcart converting both.

Oxon now led 14-5, but Durham full back Ian Dixon reduced the arrears with a simple penalty on 32 minutes.

Then in time added on for injury at the end of the half, Oxon failed to control a five-metre line-out and spilled the ball for England Students’ No 8 Phil Eggleshaw to touch down.

Dixon’s conversion gave Durham a 15-14 interval lead.

Oxon regained the lead on 44 minutes with an interception try from halfway by Nick Sevier, who showed his footballing skills before picking up and going over.

Cathcart converted to stretch Oxon’s lead to six points.

With 20 minutes left, Durham, with their pack gaining the upper hand, took command with converted tries from replacement fly half Peter Evans and scrum half Martyn Lithgo.

Replacement back-row forward Justin Pakes forced his way over in the corner as Oxon rallied to narrow the gap to 29-26.

Oxon now had a sniff of victory and could have scored again.

But in injury time, the referee, who had a good game, gave a penalty to Durham for a high tackle.

The hosts took the play to the Oxon line and in the last play Eggleshaw dived over to clinch a place in the final against Kent at Darlington this Saturday.

It was a brave effort from Oxfordshire, who acknowledged that Durham were by far the best team they had played in this competition.

Oxon: Jones; Sayce, Hewitt, Nutt, Sevier; Cathcart, Thompson; Stock, Rudman, Whelan; Burrows, English; Allen, Hastings, McKeen. Reps used: Clipsham, Corpe, Eckhert, Hastings-Trew, Olley, Pakes.