Oxford Harlequins returned from Somerset with a 36-22 win over Bridgwater & Albion on Saturday.
Quins started sluggishly, losing tighthead Jonathan Hall early on and turning the ball over several times. But then fly half Matt Smith began conducting affairs, with Sione Vaiomunga making a number of powerful runs.
Sharp breaks from Smith, centres Martin Nutt and Johnny Tevita resulted in scores for Huw Jones, Tevita and Vaiomunga all of which were converted by Smith. Leading 21-0, Quins relaxed and allowed Albion back into the game. The hosts got on the scoresheet from a pick and drive, with two weak tackles allowing them to cross for an unconverted try.
Albion then stole Quins' lineout ball and worked it to the left to score in the corner thanks to some less than impressive defending from Oxford. Smith kicked a penalty for Quins, who went in at the break 24-10 up.
Albion saw more of the ball after the interval, and Quins went on the defence. But despite lacking possession it was the visitors who scored next, Smith putting Nutt into space and he played a scoring pass to Jones, who grabbed his second of the afternoon.
Albion pulled another try back to narrow the gap to 29-15, but then a neat reverse kick from Smith bounced into Nutt's arms and he dashed over for a try converted by Smith. The hosts grabbed another try late on but Oxford had done enough to earn their victory.
