With 8 changes to the starting line up that included several 2nd team players and debutants, Wheatley knew their trip to Oxford would be a tough challenge. Oxford set out their game plan from the first whistle moving the ball quickly wide to utilise the pace on the wing and it wasn’t long before it paid off with the Oxford speedster finding himself with enough space to out strip the covering Wheatley defence to go under the posts. 5-0 conversion added 7-0

Wheatley upped the tempo as seen in recent weeks but in a similar vein were unable to convert the territory and possession into points, it was in a phased attack that Wheatley picked up the first of what was to become an injury themed afternoon as James Neal picked up an Achilles injury with Liam Meredith providing cover at 8

It wasn’t long before Oxford were able to set back into their tempo of moving the ball away from the contact area and Oxfords big ball carrying centre was soon dictating play, with Wheatley seemingly unable to deal with his darlek like offensive style of play. Oxford were able to put Wheatley under pressure in the 22 and it was at this point Wheatley lost Josh Murcott to a head injury and veteran utility player Russell Neal stepped into the vacant second row slot,

The resulting restart gave Oxford a platform to mount more pressure on Wheatley, with defence eventually breached as the opposite wing was able to burrow his way over, 12-0

Wheatley still unable to bring continuity to the attack found themselves under the cosh once more and to add another injury to the list, returning backrow forward Olly Kenworthy sustained a fracture to his thumb resulting in Wheatley having to yet again re-organise and bring Simon Chadbone on to hooker and Jake Durbin moving to the flank.

What was becoming a familiar pattern Oxford produced quick ball to the wing who was able to navigate the defence and go under the posts for a converted try, 19-0,

Halftime 19-0

Wheatley started the second half with more intent but unlike Oxford were unable to find the space, a series of penalties gave Oxford a let off and finding themselves on the Wheatley 5 meter line Wheatley's tight defence held fast but with a quick pass out wide the Oxford right winger was able to collect his hat trick 24-0 missing the conversion.

The proceeding 20 mins were probably Wheatley's strongest with the scrum and line out dominant, some well executed driving mauls were only undone illegally and Wheatley persisted with this approach but were still unable to open their account. Oxford broke out and and with the replacement picking a strong line and with an unnoticed forward pass (watch the video if you don't believe me) proceeded under the posts. converted try 31-0

More injuries meant Wheatley lost lock Matt Gibb and Centre Cole Bates which saw Dave Thomas and Ezra Rees enter the field, the latter collecting his first team debut. Determined to get some points on the board, Wheatley upped the physicality at the breakdown area which seemed to unsettle Oxford and Wheatley employed the very same tactic that have served the opposition so well and Dave Thomas was able to score in the corner. 31-5

Oxford had the final say kicking the ball long and winning the foot race to drop on the ball.

Final score 36-5

Despite the result, the fact remains that 12 months ago Wheatley would have not been able to field a team for this fixture having 9 key players unavailable, and the starting lineup today had an average age of less 24 so there is plenty to come from this group of players.