SOUTH African flanker Dan Palm should be fit for Oxford University's next game despite being rushed to hospital after their 19-17 defeat to Portugal.

Palm, who started at No 7 in last year's Varsity Match, suffered a suspected broken cheekbone after tempers flared in Lisbon.

But the Dark Blues' fears were allayed when his injuries turned out to be simply bruising and Palm should feature against Newbury at Monks Lane on Tuesday (7.15).

The Portugal defeat saw two tries for winger Tom Tombleson and left Oxford University director of rugby of rugby Steve Hill with mixed emotions.

He said: "I am very disappointed to lose considering the team played so well."

Entry is free on Tuesday night.

*OXFORD Harlequins look to have developed a liking for Cornish air.

Over the past four seasons their record in the county reads won three, drawn one, lost one, with Saturday's 31-18 success at St Ives a highlight.

And having got their two longest away trips of the season (St Ives and Mounts Bay) out of the way in September, Quins will avoid a wintry clash in Cornwall.

Quins press officer Roger King added: "It was nice to see former Oxford Marathons and Oxfordshire hooker Bill Knight, of 1970s vintage and now a St Ives resident at Saturday's game.

"With former Oxford Old Boys chairman Clive Towl and Oxford's Ray Mills also dropping by, it was some reunion."