A PETE Davis penalty eight minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic 25-24 victory for Oxford Harlequins at Basingtoke in South West 1.

Quins looked in control when they led 19-0, but Basingstoke's second-half rally saw them surge ahead 24-19.

Playing with the wind, Quins were soon on the offensive and deservedly took the lead in the 14th minute.

Quick handling by scrum half Anthony Cope, fly half Owen Gustafson and centres Beau Wilson and Jake White sent right wing Andy Noyce in for an excellent try. Davis kicked a fine touch line conversion.

Quins forwards were firing on all cylinders. Lock David Payne and No 8 Paddy Soper dominated the lineouts with the accurate throwing of hooker Dave Needham producing plenty of ball.

They increased their lead in the 21st minute when loose-head prop Simon Chadbone was driven over.

Chadbone was the provider for try No 3 when his expertly-delayed pass sent Noyce speeding down the touchline and Davis converted.

Noyce was denied a hat-trick when the scoring pass was adjudged to be forward.

Basingtoke turned round with purpose and were 21-19 up by 56 minutes.

No 8 Cann Childs, prop Shane Murphy and centre Myles Rutherford all crossed over and fly half Olly Rodgers converted all three.

Quins' Wilson was sin-binned on the hour mark and Rogers slotted a penalty five minutes later.

Davis gave the visitors hope with his first penalty and they seemed to be galvanised by the loss of Soper with a head wound.

Quins drove forward as the clock ticked and when Basingstoke infringed, Davis kept his nerve.