Oxford Harlequins climbed off the bottom of the South West 1 table for the first time since September with a 37-13 home victory over Exmouth.

This was a vastly improved performance from Quins, with wing Nick Sevier notching a try double.

But they were caught napping in the fifth minute when Exmouth wing Brad Perkins scored in the corner.

The hosts hit back from a line-out move with No 8 Anthony Jackson being driven over after a series of surges.

Fly half Mark Forth converted from out wide, and it was soon 12-5 after lock Ed Davies scored from another catch-and-drive move.

Scrum half Kenny Sewell’s box kicks were causing Exmouth problems, while Forth kept centres Andy Noyce and Shaunn Lombard supplied with quick ball.

But in the 20th minute Exmouth’s full back Richard Cadywould kicked a penalty.

A minute later Forth slotted a fine 40-metre penalty and Quins’ back row of Ben Nicholl, Jackson and Matt Young started to dictate proceedings.

Exmouth’s Sam Fayter was yellow-carded in the 45th minute.

Five minutes later, a prolonged move finally saw lock Adam Pearson send Sewell on a touchline run to score in the corner.

On 59 minutes, several switches of play finally saw Noyce storm over for an excellent try and make it 25-8.

A long weaving run by full back Huw Jones created space for Sevier to go on a long touchline run for try No 5, which Forth converted.

Quins let in Exmouth centre Paul Morgan for his side’s second try.

But the hosts had the final say when Young sent Sevier on a weaving run to the line to cap a fine individual performance.