National 3 South West

Oxford Harlequins battled back from 12-3 down to record a 16-12 win at Bournemouth.

Quins’ preparations were hit by injuries to centre Dom Maley and wing Huw Jones in training, while wing Will Spencer and No 8 Jason Welburn were forced off with knocks during the match.

Bournemouth began strongly and took the lead when wing Mike Pope went under the posts and converted his own try.

Quins almost hit back, but lock Andy Boyle was tackled half a metre short, but fly half Jeff Stewart slotted a 19th-minute penalty.

Welburn went close after a long run, but Bournemouth scored a second try from fly half Puks Ngapaku, Pope missing the conversion from in front of the posts.

Quins brought on Tim Knapp and Adam Pearson at half-time in place of the injured Spencer and Welburn.

Centres Martin Nutt and Anthony Cope threatened tries before the breakthrough came on 69 minutes.

Scrum half Kenny Sewell sent wing Andy Noyce on a 35-metre run to the corner and Stewart converted.

Ngapaku was yellow-carded on 72 minutes and three minutes later, Stewart’s penalty made it 13-12.

With two minutes left, Stewart slotted another three-pointer to cap a fine comeback.