After an early barrage of tries, RCL found themselves 21-0 down to the visitors. However, once the initial storm had passed, they steadied the ship. Spearheaded by their fly-half Eamon Reily, they began to gain territory and momentum, eventually opening their account through a well-worked try by Federico Inciarte.
Unfortunately, the scrum and some individual errors were RCL’s downfall in the first half which meant Oxbridge were able to win the ball back on numerous occasions and ultimately extend their lead with a couple more tries. 31-7 at the half time.
The second half started in a more balanced fashion with RCL attacking deep in opposition territory. They finally scored a well deserved try after a sustained period of pressure. Winger Dorian Terrou pounced on a stray pass and kicked the ball deep, managing to regather before offloading to Inciarte for his second try of the match. 14-31.
Antoine Alric’s men were a different side in the second half, both in attack and defence. In possession they were structured and driven, carrying with a purpose that had been absent before the break. After sustained pressure deep in the Oxbridge half, Denis Logelin hit a sharp line close to the ruck and powered over from close range.
After the game head coach Alric was quick to highlight the positive attitude his players had after falling behind early on. “Overall the combativity after conceding five tries in the first half. It shows good spirit. The scoreboard doesn’t count and I’m very happy.”
The boys in blue and white were left to rue their slow start as the game finished 31-21 in favour of the Oxbridge selection. There were plenty of areas to improve upon, but it was nonetheless a positive first outing after the long winter break.
