South London Storm 38 Oxford Cavaliers 50

The penultimate game of the Conference group stage produced another try-fest between Storm and the Cavaliers.

Within three minutes, slick Storm passing gave centre Chris Quiddington space out wide and support from skipper Keri Ryan provided an encouraging start for South London.

But Oxford notched four quick tries as the Storm endured a difficult period, with Graham, Williams and Pennell giving the visitors a 24-6 lead on the half hour.

Despite the deficit, Storm wingers Peters and Russell were proving dangerous and the threats produced points when Alex Peters broke through the Cavaliers defence thanks to a neat Ryan grubber.

But Oxford replied immediately, with Fraser scoring from short range and the visitors went to half-time leading 30-10.

In the second-half, Storm produced their best passages of play when they appeared beaten.

Centre Andy Binns reduced the margin when he capitalised on a pass from Allan Prout to sidestep the Oxford defence and go over under the posts. Storm appeared back in the match when an aggressive run saw Price-Saleh score to bring the home team within eight.

But Oxford's star forward Smallman halted the Storm's flow with a soft try under the posts.

From the resulting kick-off, Storm regained possession and responded immediately as replacement prop Newson scored his first try at conference level.

Five minutes later, after powerful forward drives, Newson again swatted away Cavaliers tacklers to go in under the posts.

But just as the Storm contemplated a come-from-behind victory, Oxford responded with three late tries which could only be answered by a solitary reply from prop Nick Byram as the visitors ran out 50-38 winners.

July 10, 2002 10:30