Witney pushed higher league opponents Oxford Harlequins hard in this combative Oxfordshire Cup quarter-final, but lacked the cutting edge to pull off an upset as they succumbed 15-8.

The visitors competed with resilience for the full 80 minutes in match dominated by strong defences and referee Andy Halliwell’s whistle.

Quins had shown improved form with two successive victories in National 3 South West and well-taken tries from lock Andy Boyle and centre Tom Jelley proved decisive.

There was no doubting Witney’s intensity in the early exchanges.

Fly half Joey Todd saw a ninth-minute penalty drop short of the posts, but struck one through the uprights five minutes later.

Witney, who were frequently penalised, were punished by an 18th-minute infringement.

Quins went for a catch-and-drive and their power proved too much, with Boyle getting the try.

Just when the hosts appeared to be taking control, Witney hit back with the moment of the match.

Fly half Pierre Dubost broke from his own 22 and linked with centre James Lamb.

The latter’s pass found Purkiss near halfway, but he had it all to do – beating his marker Harry Warman and sprinting in before the Quins defence could cover.

Two Witney yellow cards in three minutes turned the game again, with wing Lewis Collins and Dubost incurring Halliwell’s wrath.

The visitors had barely regrouped before Quins centre Tom Jelley touched down a slick move, with Todd converting.

To their credit, 13-man Witney attacked with such vigour that they earned a penalty 15 metres out, which full back Ed Mitcham put over.

Neither side added to their tally in a second half full of endeavour.

Witney lock Richard Haire produced some big carries, while flanker Carl Campbell tackled and hustled to great effect.

Quins centre Martin Nutt marshalled his backline well and put in his fair share of big hits.

Openside flanker Julian Watkins was sin-binned on 59 minutes, but Witney could not make their extra man count, despite turning over successive scrums.

Quins No 8 Adam Pearson spoiled well in the line-out, while on 76 minutes wing Harry Burn could not quite take advantage of a risky flick pass from Lewis Collins.

Purkiss had a late sniff at the line, but Quins were just about good value for their victory.