John Brodley said he expected to beat Old Patesians as he was fielding a far stronger side than earlier in the season.

After saturday's 35-22 success, Oxford Harlequins director of rugby said: “Before the game I said to the players with that side out last season I would have expected to win the game, so what has changed?

“Fortunately, we came away with a bonus point and no injuries. Hopefully this is a big turning point for us.

“Hopefully we can go on a similar run to last year now.”

Brodley added: “The impact of Martin Nutt to the side as an individual and with our organisation is awesome really.

“Throughout the season our forwards have been better than last year, but I didn’t expect us to be as dominant up front as we were.

“To beat a team like that after the way we have played in some matches just showed that we are a good side.”