Match Report OURFC drew the first game of the tour with Waseda Univ. RFC 23 points all in front of a capacity 5,000 crowd at the new Kamiisuga Stadium. Matt Honeyben kicked a 40m penalty 3 minutes from the end to level the scores. Following the initial ceremonies, the match began in earnest, but any hope of stamping the authority of the Blues on the match early on were dashed by this incredibly well drilled side. No.8 Ben Durham leading the way with some powerful running Early thrusts by Waseda were made with fast, accurate handling combined with quick recycling of the ball proving to be of good effect against the Oxford side. Early points were made for Oxford though after some strong tackling in the centres by John Allen and Stuart Douglas provided some fast turnover ball in the middle of the pitch which was quickly spun out to the waiting hands of full back Will Rubie, who showing his characteristic quick feet and speed broke through the Waseda back line before grubbering the ball past the opposition full back to score. This was one of the many superlative displays of speed, skill and agility by Will through out the game, showing perhaps the highest form of the squad. However, the Oxford lead was not to last as some 'bizarre' refereeing saw Waseda concede only four penalties in the whole match (compared to say a standard match average of at least 10-15 penalties per team) to the 19 awarded against Oxford. Even so, struggling against the tide of poor decisions, Oxford scored two more tries from both wingers, Will Ellerby and Karelle Dixon, Will showing particular balance at pace, apparently running in the try with about one foot of space from the touchline. Karelle's try was made by some good lineout catch and drive with centre John Allen sucking in the defenders down the blindside for an eager Karelle to squeeze in by the corner posts. A tense end to the match was made by a late try from Waseeda taking the score to 23-20 with minutes to go, but the one of the few penalties against Waseda was awarded to Oxford on the Waseeda ten metre line and a particularly calm and collected Matt Honeyben stepped up to slot the goal in front of a hushed crowd. Final score 23-23. The Blues can be pleased with this first performance. In particular they showed great discipline in the face of some outrageous refereeing decisions. The backrow of Gemmell, Durham and Woods had a fine game, whilst Lubans was outstanding in the lineout. There is stillplenty to be worked on but this was a solid start Full details soon:- Point scorers Will Rubie 1 try Karelle Dixon 1 try Will Ellerby 1 try Matt Honeyben 2 pens & 1 conv