Oxford struggle against pros
For just under 20 years, Iffley road has not been known to host a single game of Rugby League. It was thus with eager anticipation that spectators arrived at Iffley, in the hope of seeing Oxford overcome Widnes U21s. However, Oxford supporters were ultimately left dissatisfied as the young professionals from Cheshire overpowered the Blues for a comfortable 48-14 win.
Peter Hodson's alarmingly facile breaching of the Oxford defence after two minutes set up winger Gareth Lloyd to score the opening try in the left corner. Five minutes later, a virtual replica of the first try was fashioned out, with the same left flank of the Oxford back line exposed. Indeed, the seemingly bewildered Blues suffered more punishment as a series of well-worked Widnes moves culminated in second-row Davies' try under the posts, leaving them 14 points behind with just 15 minutes played.
Perhaps the realisation of the possibility of a rout, however, finally gave the student side impetus. First, scrum-half Gorrie, breaking through the hitherto scarcely challenged Widnes ranks, neatly off-loaded to captain Jonny Scholes, who was ultimately halted inches from the line. Then, following a forced defensive kick from Widnes, Gorrie himself, rather suitably, converted the Oxford pressure into points following an encouraging series of phases. The Blues consequently grew in stature, and as a result of effective recycling of the ball in the backs, Scholes was able to score in the left corner to reduce the deficit to four points.
Yet as in the first half, Oxford were immediately made to pay for their lackadaisical defensive play. Widnes scored two tries, the first created by instrumental scrum-half Tim Holmes, the second scored by winger Bowles, scything through the Oxford line unchallenged. Oxford were then let down by indiscipline, as verbal abuse during a particularly sustained period of pressure gifted Widnes a penalty and allowed them to relieve the pressure. From the resultant scrum, Hodson again pierced the tiring Oxford defence. Oxford were afforded a brief hope of a comeback by the impressive ap-Gwilym's inspired solo try, but it was all too fleeting, as Widnes scored three tries in the last ten minutes, making the final score 48-14.
Though the scoreline reflects the need for Oxford to focus on reducing defensive lapses in concentration and increasing stamina, it masks encouraging signs of attacking play which should cause Cambridge problems in the Varsity Match on March 3rd.
19th Feb 2004