Oxford University’s first match of the season in this country ended in a 28-10 defeat away to a powerful Esher side on Monday night.

The Dark Blues, who lost both their games on the recent tour to Russia, were only 15-10 adrift at the break before their opponents pulled away in the second half.

But there were some positives for Oxford, particularly the line-out combinations between hooker Gov Oliver and second row forwards Karl Outen and Tom Evans.

Esher led 8-0 after 17 minutes through a try and a penalty, before captain and scrum half Nick Haydon went over for an Oxford try, converted by fly half Charlie Marr.

The hosts hit back with a converted try, before Marr kept the Dark Blues in touch with a penalty before the break.

But two penalties in the first 15 minutes after the interval followed by a converted penalty try – awarded for a collapsed scrum – ten minutes from time sealed Oxford’s fate.

Oxford Univ: Williams (Crozier 60), Fenwick, Morris*, Cheesman* (Guinness HT), Jones, Marr, Haydon* (J Mather 78), MacDonald (Grounds 60), Oliver, Kane, Evans, Outen*, Rowe, Laffan (Connor 20), L Mather. Rep not used: Wisson. *Denotes Blue.