JOE Roff said the Varsity Match reminded him of playing in a cup final.

The Oxford University centre was left frustrated by his team's 15-6 loss, but has the consolation of another crack next year.

He said: "I found it to be very similar to finals rugby.

"They are different to club matches or Test matches.

"In these situations, one mistake in five phases can be the difference and it was on the day."

Meanwhile, Oxford director of rugby Steve Hill saw no problem with his players having to run from deep in the second half.

He said: "When we attacked from deep, people like Chris Mahony and Tom Tombleson had success.

"Cambridge played to their strengths and wanted to raise the tempo.

"I thought the guys showed ambition and tried to be expansive, but the finishing let us down."