Despite a strong late fightback, Oxford University slipped to a 38-26 defeat at home to Bristol.

This was the first of four fixtures leading to the Varsity Match, and the Blues now take stock before the annual match against a Major Stanley’s XI next Wednesday (3.30pm).

After a disastrous first hour, the Dark Blues trailed 33-0 against a far from first-choice Bristol.

However, they were determined not to take a hammering and the final 20 minutes saw them score four tries to one and rebuild some confidence.

The students’ tries came from second row Graeme McGilchrist, centre Henry Lamont, Fergus Taylor and winger Henry Hughes, who added three conversions, despite not being the regular place-kicker.

Bristol’s tally was provided by triesfrom centre Nick Carpenter (2), winger George Watkins, scrum half Andy Uren and a penalty try. Callum Sheedy converted four of the tries.