Oxford Cavaliers suffered another late collapse as they lost 40-24 at home to second-placed South London Storm in the Co-Operative Rugby League Conference.
Cavaliers have led four of their seven South East Regional matches going into the last 15 minutes, but failed to win each time.
The hosts started well, with props Ben Louisson and Ryan Hodnett carrying the ball with determination, but Storm scored a try from their first attack.
South London led 10-0 at half-time, but Cavaliers came out strongly after the break, with Kev Mason, Calum Murray-Threipland, Barry Llewllyn and Shane Turner all prominent.
Tries from Jack Briggs and Murray-Threipland, both converted by Turner, got them back on track.
Cavaliers led 24-20 with 15 minutes left thanks to further tries from Matthew Beckley and Mason, Turner converting both.
But four late Storm tries saw Oxford’s hopes dashed.
Club captain John Connaughton said: “There is not a lot wrong with our Oxford side, we are just needing that first win to kick-start the season.”
Cavaliers visit second-from-bottom Swindon St George on Saturday as they seek that elusive victory against their local rivals.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here