Stags slip to second Shield defeat as Oxford's strong defence stands firm

Hemel tried hard but only twice were they able to break down a resolute home defence, slipping to a second defeat in the Shield.

The first Oxford try went to Siddons on 12 minutes, Kitson giving him the ball then also making the kick.

Hemel responded well and Williams went close to going over but Oxford went further ahead after a great run by Backhouse got the ball for Fleming to finish.

Hemel tried an offload in the tackle needlessly, the ball picked up by Canterbury whose grubber was pounced on by Brooker for the try.

But Hemel fought back, the impressive Lloyd-Jones using his size to force over between the sticks. Stead converted and it was very even for 10 minutes until a superb break by Canterbury who passed to Green in space, Kitson taking the final pass for the first of his hat-trick, his conversion making the interval score 20-6.

Hemel started the second half the liveliest, Lloyd-Jones unlucky to be stopped inches short but Oxford scored next with Nathanial going in out wide. The conversion by Kitson was bizarre, a successful kick was disallowed because a touch judge had not taken up position, Kitson then missed second time around!

It was that man Kitson with the next try, while two more Oxford tries by Flinham and Fleming were against the run of play as Hemel looked to pressure the Oxford line the gaps that created was exploited with breakaway scores.

Hemel did get reward for some good hands, Brough getting an unconverted try but Kitson got his well deserved treble, benefiting from a fine Igbinedion break, he again converted his own score.

Hemel travel to University of Gloucestershire All Golds on Sunday.