Oxford 18-23 Cambridge: Light Blues claim Varsity victory
Thursday 8 December 2016 17:24, UK
Cambridge claimed their first Varsity Match victory since 2009 as they ended Oxford's record-breaking run of success in the fixture at Twickenham.
The Light Blues had suffered six defeats on the bounce, but tries in each half by centres Mike Phillips and Rory Triniman ensured a 23-18 victory at the home of English rugby.
Cambridge fly-half Fraser Gillies kicked three penalties and two conversions for a 13-point haul as the fierce rivals' 135th meeting produced a thrilling second half after Oxford had trailed 7-3 at the break.
Centre Henry Hughes and wing Ed David claimed Oxford's tries, with fly-half Basil Strang adding two penalties and a conversion, but Cambridge were not to be denied.
Earlier in the day, Oxford won the women's Varsity Match 3-0 - 12 months after losing the fixture 52-0.
Captain Catherine Wilcock kicked an early penalty, which proved the game's only score, as Oxford's defensive excellence was rewarded in a match when they made 236 tackles, including three try-saving efforts from Dark Blues full-back Sophie Trott.
