SHAUN Griffin scored Oxford Saints’ only touchdown in a 40-8 defeat at home to in-form Hertfordshire Cheetahs.

They were aiming to build on the momentum generated from a first win of the BAFA SFC 1 Central season, against Berkshire Renegades a fortnight earlier.

But Hertfordshire proved too strong, although it took time for them to gain the upper hand.

Saints held firm in a scoreless first quarter and only trailed 8-0 at half-time.

The visitors, who went top of the table as a result of a fourth straight victory, then eased clear.

They ran in three touchdowns to lead 34-0, before Saints’ consolation.

Griffin charged in from three yards to score, while the hosts successfully added the

two-point conversion.

Cheetahs still had time to have the final say, adding a fifth touchdown late on.

Saints return to action on Sunday, June 16, when they host Portsmouth Dreadnoughts at Tilsley Park.