Oxford University returned from their pre-season tour in good spirits after solid displays against two of the strongest opponents they will face this autumn.

Having lost narrowly to Gael Force last week, Monday’s 15-10 victory over Newcastle Falcons augured well.

And even if the Dark Blues had lost both matches, director of rugby Steve Hill would not have been too worried.

“It was nice to have a win as we knew they were going to be two really tough games,” said Hill.

“Eight of that Newcastle squad have played for the first team.

“Rob Miller has started at fly half in the Premiership this season and Chris Pilgrim has appeared at scrum half.

“It was very good to win one out of the two matches, but the performance was more important.”

Hill added: “Newcastle put out a very strong team for the first part. Playing into the wind, we did well to hold them to 5-3 at half-time.

“We then conceded an early try, but came back strongly.

“The scrummage was really strong and we put them under a lot of pressure.

“Will Browne had a very strong performance at full back and Rhodri James did very well at fly half.

“That was Rhodri’s first game at senior level – he hadn’t even played for the Greyhounds before.

“Somebody else who really stood up was Jules Allfrey at centre.

“Considering it was only our second match and we were playing on an artificial pitch, I was very pleased.

“We also went into the game quite fatigued and only had 22 of 26 players available due to injury.”

The Dark Blues visit London Scottish on Monday, October 12, but they don’t play at Iffley Road until November 2 when Saracens visit for the start of a five home-game run.

Cambridge kicked off with a 33-19 victory over their Old Boys on Saturday and then defeated Loughborough University 34-13 on Tuesday.