Oxford University put in a battling display but fell to a 36-17 defeat to Aviva Premiership newcomers Worcester Warriors at Iffley Road on Tuesday night.

The Dark Blues were outplayed in the opening 21 minutes, conceding four tries, but more than matched their visitors for the rest of the match.

Max Stelling’s try, converted by Jamie Shillcock, gave Worcester a 7-0 lead on two minutes, before George Cullen replied with a penalty.

But tries from Josh Adams, Stelling, Alex Nesbitt and Ben Howard, two of which were converted, made it 31-3.

But the students began to push their opponents back and when Zac Xiourouppa was sin-binned they made the extra man count.

Ian Williams forced his way over on 55 minutes and Cullen slotted the extras for 31-10.

Just when Warriors were restored to 15 men, replacement Ben Fowles was yellow-carded and once again the students took advantage when hooker Richie Halpin forced his way over and Cullen converted.

However, the students were unable to find another score and Warriors sealed victory when Xiourouppa ran onto his own grubber kick to score.