ALAN Hancock is under no illusions how vital Oxford Harlequins’ victory over Grove was in their battle to beat the drop.

Tries from Pete Boulton and Allan Purchase helped Quins to a 12-10 win at Marston Ferry Road on Saturday.

They had started the weekend with two games in hand over sides above them and are now six points adrift of safety in South West 1 East.

Head of rugby Hancock said: “It was the most important game we’ve played this side of the new year – it was so important to us.

“The lead-up, the training sessions, were important and we were the strongest we’ve been in 2017, so it was good to be able to deliver the goods.”

Quins, who sit second from bottom, have nine games remaining to ensure they stay in the sixth tier of English rugby.

They will face fellow strugglers Swindon and Chippenham during the run-in and Hancock believes it is vital his squad pull together.

He said: “There’s no doubt about where we are in the league.

“The status is obvious, it’s black and white, we were playing two games in hand and we capitalised with a victory.

“It’s about gelling together, and the boys are currently doing it.”