UNIVERSITY

OXFORD University ended their season with an entertaining 17-17 draw at home to Croatia.

The students trailed 14-5 at half-time against the world’s 56th ranked nation, but came back well at Iffley Road.

Fly half Matt Shorthose had a chance to win it late on, but could not convert the penalty.

It was end-to-end stuff early on before lock Graeme MacGilchrist was driven over for the Dark Blues’ opening try.

Croatia hit back when captain Toni Buzov forced his way over for fly half Jai Ayoub to convert.

Just before half-time, Croatia full back Nik Jurisic ran in a spectacular 90-metre interception try, converted by Ayoub.

Flanker Zandy Macdonald, captaining Oxford in Jacob Taylor’s absence, finished off a sweeping move for their second try.

Croatia scrum half Jason Newton slotted a penalty for 17-10.

Shorthose converted a penalty try after a dominant home scrum, but could not win it late on.