Oxford Harlequins' first venture into the Powergen Cup proved an unsuccessful one as they crashed 51-17 to Reading in their preliminary round tie at Horspath Road.

Quins went down to a more powerful, slicker and quicker Reading side, who gave their opponents a taste of what life will be like in South West 1 this season.

The visitors took the lead in the second minute.

From a line-out near the Quins line, a catch and drive saw Reading lock Vatcher drive over for a try.

The game was played at a fast pace, with both sides moving the ball wide at every opportunity. Quins replied with a well-struck penalty in the 15th minute from centre Andy Noyce

Then, in the space of two minutes, Quins conceded two unconverted tries to Reading's No 8 Hauseman and scrum half Flynn.

This was followed by their winger Nauarabota going over to make it 22-3.

Quins weathered the storm, and after several probing runs by Quins skipper Noyce, were rewarded when a move, involving seven pairs of hands, sent right-winger Matt Sims over in the corner. Noyce kicked a fine conversion

The Oxford team lost centre Richard Rouse with a leg injury. Sims moved into centre and new recruit Barry Nutt came on to the wing for his debut.

In the space of five minutes, Quins conceded two more tries through fly half Lloyd and full back Fisher, who converted the latter's to make it 34-10 at half-time.

In the second half, Quins tightened their defence, with No 8 Paul Nye to the fore

Reading's right wing Lynch increased the lead with a try.

Quins came more into the game and were rewarded when flanker Jamie Cope finished off a bout of recycling for a try, Noyce adding the conversion.

In the closing minutes, Reading added two more tries from Dyson and Brooks, Fisher adding the final conversion to give a final score which flattered them.

Other result: Abingdon 5, Oxford Harlequins 3rd 66 (tries S Chadbone 4, J Wilson 2, M Hill, L Taylor, S Evans, T Johnson; cons L Taylor 8).