National 3 South West

OXFORD Harlequins’ relegation fears increased further after 13-7 defeat at fellow strugglers Malvern.

The loss leaves Quins 15 points from safety with just eight matches to play.

Quins’ head of rugby Steve Chadbone had billed the match as “the must-win game” beforehand, so a losing bonus point in a fragmented game came as no consolation.

The vistors, who pointed to missed chances, went behind in the first minute, with Malvern scrum half Tom Redfern slotting a penalty.

Redfern scored and converted his own try to put Malvern 10-0 up after 15 minutes.

Quins’ full back Will Hilton missed a penalty on 27 minutes.

The visitors pressed hard after the break, but Malvern went 13-0 up on 65 minutes thanks to Redfern’s second penalty.

Flanker Kenny Calladine gave Quins hope with a try five minutes later after a sweeping move and Hilton converted.

But they could not add to their tally on another depressing day and relegation now looks highly likely after just two wins all season.