Panthers dominate in historic Cavalier Cup clash at Tilsley Park
Panthers roar past Lancers to claim Cavalier Cup glory in front of record Oxford crowd.
Oxford Brookes Panthers claimed a decisive 36–7 victory over the Oxford University Lancers in this year’s Cavalier Cup, held on Sunday 2nd Nov afternoon at Tilsley Park, Abingdon — reaffirming their dominance in one of Oxford’s most spirited university rivalries.
The Panthers seized control early, capitalising on a pair of quick touchdowns in the first quarter. Quarterback Tom Davies led the offensive charge with sharp passes that repeatedly broke through the Lancers’ secondary, while running back James Taylor powered through the defensive line to score twice before halftime.
Despite a late push from the Lancers in the third quarter — culminating in a single converted touchdown — Brookes’ disciplined defence shut down further advances, securing a commanding win.
The Cavalier Cup is an annual showdown between Oxford’s two university American football clubs — the Brookes Panthers and the Oxford Lancers — first contested in the early 2010s. The name harks back to Oxford’s historical nickname, the “City of Cavaliers,” recalling its Civil War heritage.
Tilsley Park, a ground shared by community and university teams, the fixture has grown from a niche campus event into a well-attended showcase for the growing British university gridiron scene. The rivalry not only embodies the friendly competition between two of the city’s universities but also reflects the rapid rise of American football’s grassroots presence in Oxfordshire.
This year’s edition saw one of the largest turnouts in recent memory, with students, alumni, and families braving the chilly November afternoon to cheer their sides. The Panthers’ triumph adds another chapter to the rivalry’s evolving history — one that continues to blend American sporting passion with Oxford’s own collegiate tradition.