RUTHLESS leaders Oxford Harlequins came away with the points, but understrength Devizes took a lot of credit from their South West One East clash.

The Saddlebacks were missing six regulars against a side who had lost just once all season, but made a fine start, putting Quins on the back foot.

Captain Tom Collins burrowed over from close range to score the opening try but, in the absence of fly-half Rory Brown, was unable to add the conversion.

The home side fought back and, after strong carrying from number eight Seissoni Toupou and second row Luke Brown, centre Keni Fisilau cantered over to level the scores.

Oxford were falling foul of the referee at the breakdown as Devizes attacked again but a turnover allowed Jack Robinson to score Quins’ second on the break, Will Hilton converting.

With number eight Moses Navunisaravi and James Gaiger prominent, Devizes fought back and home lock Brown was yellow-carded.

But Robinson added a second try after some stunning handling to make it 17-5 at the break.

Oxford lost Allan Purchase to the sin-bin in the second period but and interception allowed Hilton to run in the bonus-point try.

Again Devizes pounded away at their opponents, whose fine defence held them up and Robinson rubbed salt into the wounds by escaping for his hat-trick score.

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