RELEGATED Oxford Harlequins lost 39-25 in National 3 South West at Barnstaple, but produced another improved performance that bodes well for the future.

The pack dominated for long periods, but Quins could not convert the pressure into points.

They were caught cold in the third minute when Barnstaple’s centre Rob Elliot went over for a try, Quins fly half Will Hilton reducing the arrears with a penalty.

Due to injury, flanker Seisoni Toupou moved to centre and following good inter-play between forwards and backs, right wing Charlie Ward notched his first try for the first team to make it 8-5.

Tries from full back Will Topps and Elliot, both converted by Topps, put the Devon side 19-8 up at the break.

A poor start to the second half brought further converted scores from right wing Tom Heard and flanker Winston James.

With Barnstaple prop Joe Bussell yellow-carded, Quins’ replacement No 8 Jamie Cope picked up and drove over from five metres, Hilton converting.

The home side stretched their lead with a penalty from Luke Berry and try by Topps, which Berry converted to make it 39-15.

Quins prop Pete Boulton drove over for a try and, despite having hooker Ben Henderson yellow-carded, the visitors finished on a high note.

Skipper for the day, New Zealander Mike Forde, playing his last game before moving to Japan, had the last word with a try.