Oxford Harlequins’ fight to avoid relegation from National 3 South West was dealt a blow in a 17-10 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Old Redcliffians.

Quins remain third from bottom and are five points from safety with six games remaining.

It was the visitors who took the lead on 14 minutes when right wing Henry Bird outstripped the Quins defence to score under the posts. Fly half Ashley Groves added the extras.

Two minutes later, the home side hit back through prop Lotu Ngungutau, who drove powerfully over the line for his first try for the club.

Quins’ forwards began to gain momentum, but Groves nudged the Old Reds into a five-point lead with a 32nd-minute penalty.

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Bird then helped himself to a second try, which Groves converted for a 17-5 lead at half time.

The hosts pressed hard after the break and they were rewarded for their efforts as hooker Rupert Cowan went on an astonishing 80-metre run to score the try of the game.

However, Quins were unable to find a further score and were forced to settle for a bonus point defeat.