National 3 South West

OXFORD Harlequins are 14 points adrift of safety at the season’s halfway point after a 33-7 defeat at Avonmouth Old Boys.

Defensive lapses costs Quins dear in the first meeting between the two clubs.

Centre Gary Collier scored Avonmouth’s opening try, full back Andy Taylor converting.

Hooker Matt Edney and lock Luke Brown were prominent in the loose for Quins, but home No 8 Harry Hone drove over.

Taylor converted this and try No 3 from fly half Matt Beldin, which Quins felt came after a knock-on.

Avonmouth had flanker Dan Lee yellow-carded on 36 minutes, but they led 28-0 at the break after Taylor converted his own try.

Quins picked up in the second half, while Avonmouth lock James Foss was sin-binned.

Flanker Toby Baker scored his first try for Quins after driving the home pack back over their line on 50 minutes, fly half Will Hilton converting.

Slack defence let in Avonmouth’s Matt Belbin for a soft try to round off the scoring.