The Oratory School claimed local bragging rights with a 29-22 victory over Pangbourne College under the floodlights at Henley rugby club.

In a hotly-contested derby in front a large crowd at Dry Leas, Oratory (pictured) controlled the early stages and deservedly took the lead through the captain, Morgan Macrae.

The Scarlets Academy player showed good power to drive over from close range, having broken away from a driving maul. William Cassar added the extras.

Oratory’s second try came soon after when the impressive James Simmonds burst through the midfield and off-loaded to Timothy Owusu Brew. He delivered a well-timed flick pass to the oncoming Kieran Green who showed deft footwork to touch down and extend the lead to 12-0.

However, as the half progressed, Pangbourne fought back well, forcing a penalty inside Oratory's half. An excellent kick to the corner laid the platform for a well executed catch-and-drive which brought the score to 12-5 at the break.

The second half saw Oratory play some of their best rugby of the season in the opening period.

Green added his second, collecting a bouncing ball from a neat box kick from scrum-half Connor Evans, before showing good pace to race over under the posts. Cassar again converted, and moments later, Oratory crossed again.

Centre Dan Hillier intercepted the ball on the half-way line, and while he was tackled just short of the line, Macrae arrived first in support and demonstrated good awareness to bury under the Pangbourne defence to score.

At 26-5, the contest looked like it could be over, but Pangbourne again showed good resilience to fight their way back into the game.

Fly-half Oliver Andrews finished well and converted his own try to bring them back into the game and then added a penalty to reduced the margin even further.

A Cassar penalty settled Oratory's nerves, but Pangbourne finished strongly, Andrews again scoring and converting his own try to set up a nervy final minute of the game.

Oratory head of rugby, Mikey Hennessy, said: “Im sure it was an enjoyable experience for all the boys involved.

"It was great to see how well supported the game was and it was a really good contest.

"Many thanks to Henley for hosting us.”