RUGBY: Missed chances in the closing stages cost Oxford Harlequins victory as they were pipped 25-22 by Exmouth on their first visit to the Imperial Recreation ground.

Playing into a strong wind which Exmouth used well, Quins went behind in the second minute to a penalty from centre Richard Cadywould, who was on target again in the sixth, tenth and 14th minutes.

Quins struck back when excellent play by forwards and backs created space for full back Nick Sevier to slice through the Exmouth defence for a fine try.

The visitors almost scored from the restart, but the ball was fumbled under the Exmouth posts, resulting in Cadywould scoring under the posts at the other end after a breakaway. He also converted to make the score 19-5 after 17 minutes.

Quins began winning more ball and were rewarded when good play by flanker Matt Young and No 8 Ben Nicholls, plus quick hands from fly half Will Clarke and Neill Spottiswoode, sent centre Shaun Lombard under the posts for a brilliant debut try. Sevier converted to cut the deficit to 19-12.

Four minutes later, flanker Zane Du Randt was yellow-carded and shortly afterwards Anthony Cope went off with a blood injury. Ralph Jones came on.

Cadywould kicked another penalty to make the half-time score 22-12.

In the second half, scrum half Cope returned and Sevier reduced the arrears with a penalty.

Two minutes later, Ferdie Gerber replaced Angus McDowell and Quins upped their game.

A quick heel on the home 22 saw Cope squeeze through the narrowest gaps for a super try which Sevier converted to level the scores at 22-22.

Du Randt, Nicholl and right wing Oliver Campbell all went close, while two Quins penalties shaved the home posts.

In the 75th minute, Gerber was yellow-carded and two minutes from time, Cadywould kicked the decisive penalty to snatch victory.