National 3 South West

OXFORD Harlequins slipped back into the drop zone, despite gaining a bonus point in a 30-23 defeat at Exmouth.

Quins felt they deserved more from a strong performance and their frustration was increased by relegation rivals Amersham & Chiltern taking maximum points against Weston-super-Mare.

Exmouth took the lead with a breakaway try from flanker Dave Bargent, converted by fly half Andrew Powell.

Quins’ pressure yielded with fly half Matt Smith’s penalty on 27 minutes.

Visiting No 8 Alex Powell was driven over for Quins’ opening try, with Smith converting from the touchline.

Wing Jack Downie and flanker Ross Morshead scored tries for Exmouth, Andrew Powell converting the latter for 19-10.

Smith slotted a penalty on the stroke of half time, but Downie’s second try made it 24-13 just after the break.

Quins dug in and hit back with Smith kicking a penalty and converting from out wide after centre Johnny Tevita had been driven over.

Smith shaved a post with a penalty, but two three-pointers from Andrew Powell seal-ed it.