On a warm southern hemisphere summer evening at the Danie Craven stadium, Stellenbosch University suspended their hospitality for 80 minutes to do what they do best, which is to play fast, physical and confrontational rugby. The final score of 36 - 19 was certainly a reflection of the possession the home team enjoyed, but resilient defence and a will to attack with all in hand, were hallmarks of the Oxford performance as they played to the final whistle, showing true OURFC spirit. Oxford scored three tries to the Maties five, from Fresher fly-half Harry Bridgewater, captain Tom Osborne and scrum-half Xander Jackman, with full back Sam Reynolds adding two conversions. Player of the Match as selected by Supersports commentary team, returning to his homeland, was centre Laim Furniss.
The squad now enjoy a recovery day and travel to Cape Town before an evening Braai with OURFC alumni, before resuming preparations for their second fixture v UCT on Thursday.
