Danielli secures Major triumph
OXFORD CONTINUNED THEIR superb start to the men's rugby season with a performance that increases their winning streak to eight, the best since 1946.
The match began with the Major Stanley's XV looking to stamp their authority upon the game with some concerted pressure and slick passing, but Oxford's resolute defence held the visitors at bay. It was the Blues, perhaps unsurprisingly given their record of late, who scored first, some excellent fast passing putting Sam Adlen in under the posts.
On 22 minutes, Stanley's finally managed to make some of their possession pay dividends, former Blue Luke Jones diving over to bring them to within two points of Oxford. But they managed to contain the Blues for just a further two minutes, Seb Fitzgerald slicing through the defence for an excellent score.
On the stroke of half time, Oxford further extended their advantage to 21-5 as Van Pittius and Marsh combined to put the latter in for the score.
The second half began much like the first with the visitors enjoying the bulk of the early possession. This time, however, they made their dominance count. Scoring twice in the first ten minutes, Major Stanley's reduced the gap to just two points.
On 55 minutes, the visitors stunned the crowd by taking the lead for the first time as the former All-Black Stu Forster sent Scott Hastings free enabling him to score in the corner.
Oxford did not allow their heads to drop and soon they had restored their advantage through Simon Danielli. Just two minutes later, Danielli took a brilliant interception and give the Blues breathing space by running through under the posts.
But Major Stanley's never faltered in their desire to win, and some strong pressure resulted in them scoring another try. With fifteen minutes still remaining, the game seemed to be poised on a knife-edge.
Oxford responded admirably to the challenge, pinning the opposition in their own half as the clock ticked down. The victory was sealed at the death, Danielli intercepting on the halfway line before running through to complete his hat-trick in style.
The number of points conceded may be slightly disappointing but against such opposition to put forty on the board represents a good performance. Looking forward to the fast approaching Varsity Match, the return of Van Pittius, Fitzgerald and Rubie to the side is undoubtedly a boost, and as such, the prospects for December 12th look very good.
by James Boardman
23rd Nov 2000