Oxford University wrapped up their north east tour with a hard-fought 15-10 victory at a windswept Druid Park on Monday night.

And they did it the hard way, battling back from 10-3 down before hitting back for victory at Gosforth RFC’s ground.

Dark Blues, who were without full back Chris Mahony (shoulder injury), second row Nic Van Zyl (knee) and wing Luke Fenwick (back), took the lead when fly half Rhodri James, who was making his debut, kicked a penalty.

However, on 25 minutes, Falcons went ahead when their hooker Matt Thompson touched down for an unconverted try.

Five minutes into the second half, Falcons extended their lead when replacement second row forward Ben Frankland went over the line.

Dark Blues were right back in it when Oliver Tomaszczyk, who had been sin-binned in the first half, scored an unconverted try.

Victory was completed when full back Ross Swanson went over the line for Dark Blues second try of the game which he converted himself.

Dark Blues, who also gave a debut to second row Dan Guinness, are in action in two week’s time when they face London Scottish.

Oxford University: Swanson*, Browne, Morris*, J Alfrey, T Catling*, James, Haydon, Lutton*, Rosen* (capt), Tomaszczyk*, Kench*, Guinness, McKeen*#, Cheeseman*, Carter. Reps: D Rogers, W Johnson#, K Outen, J Gibson, W Klopper, E Boyes, Davies*, T Makoto*. Denotes Blue, # denotes International.