Varsity Match
Jamie Roberts limps off as Oxford seal sixth Varsity win in a row
ESPN Staff
December 10, 2015
Cambridge University's Jamie Roberts looks at the scoreboard. Oxford University v Cambridge University, Varsity match, Twickenham Stadium, London, December 10, 2015
Jamie Roberts looks at the scoreboard before limping off © Getty Images
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Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts limped out of the annual Varsity match in which he was playing for Cambridge University, substituted at half-time having sustained a dead leg against traditional rivals Oxford University at Twickenham.

Television cameras showed Roberts on the sideline in the second half with an ice pack on his right thigh, and his new club side, Harlequins, now face a nervous wait having pencilled him in to make his debut against Calvisano in the European Challenge Cup on December 18.

Roberts was involved early with several carries and his sheer presence attracting defenders and creating space for team-mates, and he flattened opposite number Henry Lamont with his first touch of the ball to end the Oxford captain's afternoon. One loose pass from the Wales centre saw an attacking move break down, however, with the ball landing at the feet of Oliver Clough as Cambridge sought to capitalise on a bright start.

Oxford fly-half George Cullen emerged as the hero of a tryless afternoon with his four penalties steering the Dark Blues to their record-breaking sixth successive victory in the fixture that dates back to 1871. Oxford now have 59 wins, edging ever closer to the 61 held by Cambridge. There have been 14 draws.

A frantic opening eventually slowed, but there was little cohesion from either team in a low-quality half that finished tied at 3-3 with Cullen and Don Stevens exchanging penalties.

Oxford pummeled away at the line as the interval approached and pieced together an eye-catching passage of play down the left wing as backs combined wonderfully, but Cambridge's defence scrambled effectively.

Stevens nudged Cambridge 6-3 ahead before Oxford had a superb chance to seize the lead only for full-back Matt Geiger to drop the ball over the line after slick handling had created a great chance as a finely poised third quarter came to an end.

Cullen landed two penalties in quick succession to put Oxford clear, and he secured victory with his fourth goal after Cambridge full-back Simon Davies had been sin-binned for tackling Henry de Berker in mid-air.

© ESPN Staff

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