Penkridge rugby player Sam Egerton the star in Twickenham triumph

Egerton, aged 20, was named man of the match after scoring one of three second-half tries as Oxford battled back from a 16-6 half-time deficit to win 26-19 in front of about 25,000 people at Twickenham yesterday.

Egerton's first moment of glory came in the 51st minute and his try proved to be the catalyst for a memorable fightback. He also helped create Charlie Marr's decisive try later on in the match.

It was the second time the former Adams Grammar School pupil, who plays his club rugby for Newport, has taken part in the historic fixture.

But the second-year law student, who grew up in Penkridge, said yesterday's experience topped last year's success due to the drama of the match.

"We were trailing by quite a way and Cambridge scored first in the second half as well so we were looking at a heavy defeat," he said.

"But we pulled together and turned it around.

"This probably just about tops last year. Three wins on the bounce is quite a big achievement and the way we did it this year also added to it."

It was a thrilling fightback by the Dark Blues who looked down and out when they trailed 19-6 early in the second period.

But those three second-half tries in the space of 16 minutes, from full-back Egerton, flanker James Harries and substitute Marr left Cambridge crestfallen.

Marr added one conversion and a 78th-minute penalty to seal the deal, while centre Cassian Bramham-Law booted two first-half penalties after Oxford lost their captain John Carter through injury.

Wing Andy Murdoch scored Cambridge's solitary try just before the interval, with full-back Rob Stephen kicking four penalties and a conversion.

n Bath players Matt Banahan and Lee Mears have had their appeals against suspensions dismissed.

Banahan received a three-week ban after he was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Leicester. Mears was cited for punching in that game and landed a two-week suspension.