Oxford University were undone by a late try as they went down 22-17 to Cardiff Blues after a battling display at Iffley Road on Monday night.

The students led 14-10 at half-time and pulled it back to 17-17 with 15 minutes to go, but James Lewis’s score proved decisive for the visitors.

Oxford could take much credit from their defence, twice earning turnovers on their own line, but a narrow Cardiff win represented the balance of play.

The late withdrawal of No 8 John Carter meant only three Blues started in an inexperienced Oxford line-up against largely an academy side.

And they had an early let off when Cardiff skipper Macauley Cook broke through, but flanker Reuben Tucker could not take the pass.

Cardiff fly half Lewis Williams narrowly missed a long-range penalty, but made no mistake with a 12th-minute effort from in front of the posts.

Oxford full back James Crozier twice spilt high balls, but after the second went behind him, he ran it back with real intent.

Home captain Nick Haydon knocked on as he tried to force his way over on the left following a quick-fire handling move started by fly half James McKinnel’s chip.

But Cardiff never got the ball clear and lock Karl Outen powered over after they regained possession, Crozier converting.

Cardiff regained the lead on 26 minutes when wing Nathan Rees streaked away at the end of a pacy team move, and Lewis Williams converted from wide out.

The home side hit back when Haydon fired No 8 Louis Mather through a gap after they had set up the chance with good rucking. Crozier converted.

Oxford ended the half on top, with wing Luke Fenwick’s rapier-like burst exciting the crowd.

Cardiff enjoyed some sustained pressure after the break, but were twice turned over on the Oxford line before No 8 Owen Shepeard finally drove over on 55 minutes for Lewis Williams to convert.

Oxford levelled with a penalty from replacement fly half Charlie Marr, who had already missed a tricky effort, after the lively Jez Mather, another sub, was blocked off the ball.

Scrum half Mather turned villain, however, when he allowed full back Tom Williams’s long kick to bounce and conceded a five-metre line-out.

From there, Cardiff never left the 22 and a turnover gave them the chance to send centre Lewis flying over on the right to make it 22-17.

That proved the final score as Cardiff played out the last four minutes in the Oxford half.

Oxford University: Crozier, Fenwick, Cheesman*, H Guinness, Williams (Jones 59), McKinnell (Marr 51), Haydon* (capt) (J Mather 41), Grounds (MacDonald 51), Connor, Kane, Greef (Swan 59), Outen*, Rowe (Hitchings 73), Lane, L Mather. * denotes Blue.

Cardiff Blues: T Williams, W Jones (Howells 59), Lewis, Thomas, Rees, L Williams, Dyer (L Jones 53), Trevett (Smout 41), Prosser (Dando 53), Cantillion, Cook, Screech (Partridge 53), Tucker (Barry 53), Llewellyn, Shepeard.

Referee: S Lewis (RFU).

Oxford University man-of-the-match: L Mather.