GALLERY: University dig deep to overcome Oaks at Horsham Fields

THE University of Plymouth overcame a mix-and-match Plymstock Albion Oaks side 31-19 in a fiery ‘friendly’ at Horsham Fields on Tuesday night.

The students had to come from behind and survive three yellow cards and a red to come out on top in this adapted rules fixture.

Oaks, playing uphill first half, went in front on 24 minutes with a try on the right from fly-half Lewis Barnaby after the university were reduced to 13 men with two yellow cards.

But, despite a numerical disadvantage, the students hit straight back with a try on the left from Tom Hancock.

Will Parrott then scored a try in the right corner to put the university ahead before they extended it further on the stroke of half-time with a touchdown close to the posts by Bryn Edwards.

It got better straight after the break when Matt Cates showed good pace and strength to score a fine try on the right.

In a match that saw a number of flare-ups, George Hamlin got Oaks back into the contest when he scored on the left.

The students were reduced in numbers again by the referee and Olly Whitfield picked up a loose ball and ran in to score to close the gap to 24-19.

But the visitors had the last word when Chris Nixon powered down the right wing to seal the win.