Powergen Intermediate Cup Oxford Harlequins' hopes of reaching the last 16 for the second successive year were ended by a disastrous two-minute spell during Saturday's 14-6 defeat at Keynsham.

Despite having to make five late changes because of flu, Quins made most of the running against the physically bigger South West 1 opponents.

After withstanding an initial assault from the Bristol-based hosts, the visitors took the lead with a penalty from fly half Chris Penney in the sixth minute.

Quins pinned Keynsham in their own half for long periods, and with both sides prepared to run the ball, the game was fast flowing. However, the tackling was deadly, which cancelled out chances to both sides.

As lock Simon Chatterton started to call the tune in the line-outs, and with the re-jigged back row of Ben Crompton, Jon Newman and Jamie Cope in superb form, Quins moved the ball wide at every opportunity.

Strong runs by centres Richard Rouse and Martin Nutt almost brought scores, before Penney's second penalty gave them a deserved 6-0 interval lead.

In the second period, half backs Penney and Anthony Cope cleverly changed tactics, keeping Keynsham fully stretched.

But in the 65th minute, the game took a decisive turn when Keynsham's replacement forward, Shaun Garton, forced his way over near the posts for a try against the run of play. Full back Joe Williamson converted.

Two minutes later, Quins fell further behind. With the defence flat, Keynsham fly half Mike Pells chipped over the top, running on to gather and score near the posts. Williamson's conversion gave Keynsham a 14-6 lead.

Quins weathered the storm and attacked at every opportunity, full back Dave Boreham making some strong runs, and right wing Guy Dobson breaching the Keynsham defence.

They were unlucky when a move sent centre Martin Nutt racing clear, only to be pulled down two metres short of the line.

Dobson almost got over and Quins' forwards were held up over the line more than once, but it was not to be Quins day as Keynsham breathed a big sigh of relief at the final whistle.

HENLEY Wanderers' run in the Powergen Junior Vase came to an end when they lost 13-0 in their fifth round tie at Shipston-on-Stour.