Oxford Harlequins are now safe from relegation, despite a 29-24 home defeat to Old Patesians in South West 1.

Whatever happens in their remaining two matches, Quins will now finish on more points than the lowest-placed sides in North 1 and Midlands 1.

And with Chippenham having been thrashed 40-3 at home to Clifton, Quins are also off the bottom.

Patesians fly half Adam Seager gave them the lead with a fourth-minute try.

But Quins replied with full back Huw Jones completing a move that was started by inside centre Anthony Cope.

On 16 minutes, the visitors were back in front when a quick throw saw the ball moved out for right wing Paul Dean to go over.

Quins went 12-10 up when wing Ollie Campbell cut through the defence and fly half Mark Forth converted.

But they then conceded soft tries to Seager and Dean, with the former converting both.

Patesians No 8 Brett Harvey was sin-binned for punching to complete an incident-packed half.

Quins’ wing Nick Sevier (right) jinked his way over for their third try after an elaborate team move.

Patesians’ replacement Rich Stevens breached some slack defence to make it 29-17 on 73 minutes.

Quins managed a fourth try when scrum half Kenny Sewell broke from his own 22 and fed Jones to sprint in from 30 metres, but the visitors held on.