ALAN Hancock is proud Oxford Harlequins can go into the off season knowing they are a force to be reckoned with at home.

Saturday’s 27-7 win over Grove saw Quins finish their South West 1 East campaign without losing a game at Marston Ferry Road.

The record is even more special after the club decided to return to their spiritual home this season when plans to merge with Oxford, who play at North Hinksey, failed to materialise.

Quins played their first game back at Marston Ferry Road for seven years last September, beating Salisbury, and have not looked back.

Head of rugby, Hancock, said: “I don’t think I have been involved at a club that has had such a home fortress and I think that is what we have got here.

“It is something to be proud of, it’s really good.

“Week by week we kind of capitalised on it.”

Quins won 12 of their 13 home games, with their thrilling 25-25 draw with champions Towcestrians back in November the only blot.

But they were forced to dig deep on several occasions, beating Witney, Reading and Swindon by fewer than five points.

Saturday’s game was a dead rubber, with Quins comfortable in sixth place and Grove having secured their safety the previous week.

But with the hosts’ impressive record on the line, Hancock was eager to see his players put in one last shift.

He said: “The boys stepped up.

“I think we dominated the game up front, the forwards delivered and gave us a base to work off.

“Our discipline was good, the backs were superb in defence and attack – the boys are very happy.”